Colour Coded Recycling Bins for Smarter Waste Management
Creating an efficient workplace recycling system becomes far easier when everyone understands what goes where. In the UK, colour-coded office recycling bins follow widely recognised schemes. This helps employees sort waste correctly, reduce contamination, and support an organisation’s sustainability goals. While exact colours can differ between local authorities or waste contractors, several common standards are used across UK workplaces. You can customise our bins to suit your own system but here is some guidance.
Blue Recycling Bins : Paper And Cardboard
Blue bins are typically used for paper and cardboard. In an office, this includes printer paper, envelopes, magazines, and flattened cardboard packaging. Keeping paper separate ensures it stays clean and easy to recycle into new paper products. Contents could be Mixed Paper & Card or Confidential Paper waste.
Green Recycling Bins : Mixed Recyclables Or Glass
Green bins often represent mixed recycling or dry recyclables, such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and certain food containers. Some offices use green specifically for glass, depending on their collection service. Clear signage is vital to avoid confusion, as plastic contamination is a common issue in mixed recycling streams. Could be Mixed Glass, Bottle & Jars , Food Waste. Lime Green is used for Mixed Recycling.
Red Recycling Bins : Non Recyclable Office Waste
Red bins are frequently designated for non-recyclable waste. This includes items that cannot be processed in standard recycling facilities, such as contaminated food packaging, plastic film, or composite materials. Red bins help keep recyclables clean by giving staff a clear place for general refuse. Plastics and Plastic Bottles is a common use.
Yellow Recycling Bins : Food Waste Recycling
Yellow bins may be used for food waste, particularly in offices with kitchens or canteens. Food waste is collected separately to be processed into compost or energy through anaerobic digestion. Proper separation reduces the environmental impact of sending organic waste to landfill.
Black Recycling Bins : General Or Confidential Waste
Black bins usually indicate general waste in systems where red is used for something else. Offices may also use grey bins for confidential paper slated for shredding and secure recycling. Implementing colour-coded bins not only improves recycling rates but also encourages sustainable habits across an organisation. Clear labels, staff reminders, and regular monitoring make the system intuitive, effective, and environmentally responsible
See our great range of office bins and contact us for help with your project. Get in touch. Office Recycling Bin Separate, Office Recycling Bin Divide, Food Waste Bins, More News About office recycling. Read more about recycling