Improving recycling rates in the workplace: Method Recycling

To achieve the change necessary to make a difference in Australia, there needs to be consistency and standardisation in the industry from the beginning to end, writes Dan Crawford, Method Australia Business Development Manager. 

One of the greatest issues facing the wider recycling industry today is confusion – no one really knows what’s going on.

To achieve the change necessary to make a difference in Australia, there needs to be consistency and standardisation in the industry from the beginning to end. Organisations don’t have the power to change the whole system, but they can change what happens in their building.

Method Recycling redesigned the way modern spaces recycle so that doing our part becomes simple but effective.

What’s the problem?

Let’s be honest here, recycling takes a certain amount of motivation at the personal level. Whether that’s taking the time to educate ourselves, seeking to find the right bin or even simply leaving the comfort of our desks to recycle.

The way we design and use our offices has changed rapidly from closed offices and cubicles to open-plan spaces, but our bins haven’t changed. Desk bins are a particular problem as they make it easy for individuals to place everything into one bin hidden discreetly under their desks.

We’re also spending more on the aesthetics of our offices and often bins are hidden in cupboards or under benches. This means individuals need to know where the right bin is, spend time hunting for one, or often placing it in the nearest receptacle.

As pictured, one of Method’s clients had an array of bins and signage that were located sporadically throughout their building. There’s no intention to shame any organisation implementing recycling bins in their space. But to have a real impact on recycling rates, recycling should be convenient, consistent in design and location, and intuitive.

That’s where Method comes in.

All of the different bins in just one building before moving to Method.

Recycle more with open plan recycling

Method began when co-founders Steven and India Korner continuously saw organisations who wanted to recycle without the tools to be successful. They believed that a well-designed bin would have the power to change recycling behaviours – and they were right.

The innovative bins can now be found around the world from the headquarters of world-renowned British architecture firm Foster + Partners, The Office Group’s modern co-working spaces, the historic Sydney Cricket Grounds and many more.

Method’s 60-litre recycling and waste bins are colour coded to complement modern spaces while matching industry standards. The bins are designed to be placed together to form flexible recycling stations that are then located consistently throughout a space or facility.

Bringing the colour-coded stations out into the open-plan design of modern spaces makes the bins stand out, easy to find and the same in all spaces. This means that when individuals move from one floor or department to the other, the bins are all the same. This becomes even more applicable when there are multiple buildings for the same company, locally or globally.

Most importantly, regular interaction with consistent bins means that recycling will become an unconscious behaviour; while making recycling more convenient than general waste options. Further, by bringing recycling and waste out into the open you increase accountability. When individuals are in the view of others they’re more likely to consider where their waste should go, even subconsciously.

The power of visibility

Visibility is one of the key factors that has led to the success of the Method system. Having the beautiful bins proudly out in the open increases awareness and develops a culture of shared responsibility. The bins become a visible statement of an organisations commitment to recycling and sustainability; generating conversations and changing recycling habits at work and subsequently at home.

William Konya, Presentation Services Manager for the Sydney Cricket Ground found Method recycling bins provide the opportunity to start an effective sorting system.

He believed “It is important to demonstrate a positive approach to reducing environmental impact, the visual element of Method’s bins has been effective in garnering support for the recovery process.”

Are you ready to implement a recycling and waste system that makes a visible difference? Get in touch with Method – methodrecycling.com.

 

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