October 11, 2023
Top tips for minimising missed capture this Recycle Week
Recycle Week (16-22 October) is here and this year we’re zeroing in on ‘missed capture’, sharing the WRAP messaging and challenging businesses to carry out their own Big Recycling Hunt.
When it comes to improving sustainability practices, consumers identify "reducing waste and increasing recycling" as one of the most important areas of focus (1). This consumer pressure, along with tougher legislation on the way in England and Wales, means it’s time for businesses to turn ideas into action. Here we share our tips on how businesses can improve recycling rates and cut costs by implementing efficient multi-stream systems.
What are you missing?
When we talk about ‘missed capture’ we’re referring to the items that can be recycled but are commonly missed. Whether you’re a busy distribution facility, school or hospitality venue, the issue of missed capture is significant.
UK version: When you consider that every year, 5.5 million plastic bottles escape recycling (2) and 34% of the UK’s 9.5 million tonnes of food waste is either dumped or landfilled rather than being recycled correctly the scale of the problem is clear (3).
Get ready for recycling legislation.
Next year new legislation in Wales will come into force meaning material that is prime for recycling must be separated prior to collection and kept separate throughout. With similar legal requirements already in place across England, and non-compliance resulting in fines and potentially even civil sanctions, it’s essential that your business is doing everything it can to implement an effective recycling system. For more information on recycling legislation read our free resource.
Our tips on recycling the right way
We know that two thirds of businesses are wary of the perceived cost of implementing sustainability practices such as recycling (3). This is in fact a common misconception as separating waste at source could actually see your business save in more ways than one. Just ask leading distribution organisation DPD who, after installing multi-stream Slim Jim ® Recycling Stations across various sites at their facilities, reported a recycling efficiency rate of over 90% and cost savings of 27%.
Here are some of our top tips for promoting effective recycling in your facility:
- Encourage separation at source through the implementation of multi-stream systems. This will reduce costs and improve productivity.
- Make it easy, make it visible. With coloured and clear signage, you can facilitate correct separation, helping to prevent cross-contamination whilst also displaying your dedication to sustainability.
- Durability drives success. Investing in durable bins that require less frequent replacement could lead to a reduction in both your business’ environmental impact by up to 72% and commercial cost by up to a third (4). Long-lasting bins that stand the test of time boost your sustainability credentials by reducing the need for remanufacture and cut costs in the long run.
- Consider that different areas will require different solutions. For busy areas back of house prioritising robust waste containers, such as the BRUTE®, that can withstand tough environments year after year is a must. Choose Slim Jim ® Recycling Stations designed with tight spaces in mind to make the most of your available room without compromising on functionality. And front of house, opt for recycling stations like the Configure™ that are both aesthetic and functional.
For more tips on recycling the right way read our blog.
Not sure where to start?
Start your Big Recycling Hunt in just 90 seconds our free online waste audit that will help you find indicative waste and cost savings from improved recycling in your facility.
Sources
1 - RCP 2023: Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability
2 - RECOUP (RECycling of Used Plastics Limited)
4 - RCP 2023: Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability
