Why Workplace Recycling Matters
At AMS, we provide expert waste collection, disposal, and recycling services across Dorset and Somerset – covering everything from scheduled trade waste collections to hazardous and inert waste management.
For businesses, improving recycling isn’t just about sustainability. Effective business recycling can cut disposal costs, ensure legal compliance, and enhance your brand’s environmental reputation.
Under England’s upcoming Simpler Recycling rules, all workplaces will need to separate dry recyclables, food waste, and general waste before collection.
Whether you manage an office, construction site, or workshop, here’s how to boost recycling at work, comply with the law, and get the most from your AMS trade waste collections.
1. Conduct a Workplace Waste Audit
Start by analysing what types of waste your business produces, how much, and where it goes.
A detailed waste audit helps identify opportunities to recycle more and reduce general waste, creating a clear baseline for improvement.
2. Set Clear Recycling Goals and Policies
Successful recycling programs for businesses start with measurable goals. For example:
- Increase dry recycling by 30% in 12 months
- Reduce general waste bin size and collection frequency
- Improve segregation of inert and hazardous materials
Create a simple recycling policy outlining who’s responsible, what waste streams are collected, and how your team and contractors can participate.
3. Provide the Right Bins and Recycling Infrastructure
Make recycling simple and accessible for everyone on site.
- Use clearly labelled recycling bins for paper/card, plastics, glass, metal, food waste, and general waste.
- Position bins in high-traffic areas like kitchens, break rooms, printer areas, and tool rooms.
- For construction or trade sites, ask us about suitable containers for inert, hazardous, and recyclable waste.
4. Engage and Educate Your Team
Staff engagement is key to effective workplace recycling.
- Hold short training sessions to explain proper segregation.
- Use clear signage near bins to reduce contamination.
- Appoint a recycling champion to lead and motivate the team.
5. Optimise Trade Waste Collections with AMS Group
Working with AMS ensures your trade waste collections are efficient and compliant. Together, we can:
- Identify the correct waste streams (general, inert, recyclable, hazardous)
- Schedule the ideal collection frequency to reduce overflow or contamination
- Stay compliant with Simpler Recycling legislation
AMS offers flexible, scheduled and on-request waste collections, tailored to your site’s needs.
6. Monitor, Measure and Improve Recycling Performance
- Track key data such as recycling tonnage, contamination rates, and disposal costs.
- Review your progress quarterly and adjust as needed – relocate bins, resize containers, or refresh staff training.
- Use AMS waste audit data to benchmark performance and drive continuous improvement.
7. Reduce Waste Before You Recycle
Reducing waste at the source is the most sustainable option. Encourage simple changes like:
- Switching to reusable products (cups, cutlery, containers)
- Going digital to reduce paper usage
- Choosing suppliers with minimal or recyclable packaging
Reducing waste helps lower collection costs and supports a cleaner recycling process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we really have to separate our recycling?
Yes. From 31 March 2025, under England’s Simpler Recycling rules, all workplaces must separate dry recyclables (paper, card, plastic, glass, metal) and food waste before collection. AMS can help your business stay compliant.
How do we manage construction or inert waste?
Inert waste such as concrete, hardcore or soil must be handled separately. Proper segregation reduces costs and increases recycling efficiency.
What if our recycling gets contaminated?
Contamination – such as food or liquids in dry recycling – can cause rejection or extra charges. Staff training and clear signage can help prevent this.
Can we reduce collections if we recycle more?
Absolutely. Many AMS clients reduce their general waste collections after improving recycling rates. AMS will review your plan and adjust accordingly.
How should we dispose of e-waste and hazardous materials?
Items like electronics (WEEE), batteries, oils, or paints need special disposal routes. AMS provides compliant containers, documentation, and handling for these materials.
Why Work with AMS Group for Business Recycling
Working with AMS gives your business several advantages:
- Comprehensive waste audits to track recycling progress
- Coverage for all waste streams — inert, hazardous, recyclable and general
- Local expertise in Dorset and Somerset for fast, reliable service
- Potential cost savings through improved recycling efficiency
Improving recycling at your workplace is simple when you have the right systems in place. By separating waste correctly, engaging your team, and partnering with AMS, your business can stay compliant, lower costs, and strengthen its environmental credentials.
Explore our Commercial Wheelie Bin Service to see how we can support your business, or get in touch with our team to discuss your specific waste management needs.
You can also book a free waste audit to identify recycling opportunities and uncover potential savings.