Why Business Recycling Matters More Than Ever
The Earth is getting warmer, our oceans are under threat, and our landfills are overflowing. It is clear that the amount of waste businesses and individuals produce is rapidly outpacing our ability to dispose of it responsibly. In recent years, we have increasingly heard claims that, due to the sheer volume of waste being produced, recycling does not make a difference. Some argue that recyclable materials often end up in landfills anyway or that the energy used to recycle outweighs the benefits. While it is true that reducing waste production is essential, it is also crucial to understand the role of recycling in addressing the waste problem in the UK.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are already not recycling enough. While 89% of UK households regularly recycle, only 47% of SMEs use a commercial recycling service—despite businesses producing approximately four million tonnes of waste annually. This gap highlights a missed opportunity for businesses to make a meaningful environmental impact.
Greater pressure and better support are needed to encourage SMEs to recycle. However, without widespread understanding of the importance of business recycling, we cannot expect recycling rates to improve. In this article, we will review the evidence to better understand the vital role business recycling plays in a strong, sustainable waste management system that benefits everyone.
The Environmental Impact of Business Recycling
Every business generates waste, but how that waste is managed can make a huge difference. Recycling helps reduce the need for landfill and incineration, both of which release harmful greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. Landfills are among the biggest contributors to methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than CO2 in trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Recycling in the UK saves between 10 and 15 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually—the equivalent of removing 3.5 million cars from the road. By diverting waste from landfills, businesses can play a significant role in reducing global warming.
Reducing Demand for Raw Materials
Recycling also reduces the demand for raw materials such as timber, water, and minerals. The extraction and processing of these materials cause significant environmental damage, including deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. For example, producing new paper from recycled cardboard uses 60% less energy and generates 50% less water pollution than making paper from virgin pulp.
Some argue that recycling is futile because certain materials cannot be recycled indefinitely, particularly weaker materials such as paper. However, while paper fibres weaken after several rounds of recycling, they can still be repurposed into other materials, such as egg cartons, insulation, and even road surfaces. The fact that some materials have a limited recycling lifespan does not render recycling ineffective; rather, it underscores the need to continue improving recycling methods and finding new ways to utilise recycled materials.
Supporting a Circular Economy
There is a misconception that recycling is simply sent to landfill, that it can never be a profitable industry, and that it will not work in the long term. However, the recycling industry currently supports thousands of jobs and numerous businesses of all sizes. Recycled materials are valuable commodities—once collected, they are sorted, baled, and sent to reprocessing plants to be transformed into new products.
By investing in recycling infrastructure and supporting businesses that use recycled materials, we create a circular economy that keeps resources in use for as long as possible.
Overcoming Barriers to Recycling for SMEs
The biggest barriers to business recycling include cost concerns, lack of space, and competing priorities. However, there are simple solutions to these challenges:
Cost Many businesses worry that recycling is expensive, but in reality, it can be a cost-saving measure. Sending waste to landfill incurs a landfill tax, which increases annually, adding to business expenses. By separating recyclables such as cardboard and plastic, businesses can significantly reduce landfill tax and general waste disposal fees.
Space Limited space can be a challenge for some businesses, but practical solutions exist. Compact recycling bins, more frequent collections, or tailored waste management plans can help businesses recycle without taking up too much room. If this is a concern for you and your business, speak to an expert at SO Recycle. We understand that businesses have unique waste disposal needs, and we are always happy to find a solution that will boost your recycling rates!
Time & Effort Some businesses perceive recycling as a complicated and time-consuming process. However, with the right approach, it should be simple. Solutions such as dedicated cardboard bins or paper waste cabinets require no more effort than managing general waste and increase recycling rates while ensuring compliance with waste regulations.
Conclusion
Recycling is more important than ever, and businesses—especially SMEs—have a crucial role to play. By adopting source-separated cardboard recycling, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and save money.
At SO Recycle, we are here to make the process as easy and cost-effective as possible. Our cardboard bin service is designed to help SMEs recycle efficiently and responsibly.
Small changes can lead to a significant impact. Let us work together to build a more sustainable future. If your business is not yet recycling, now is the perfect time to start.
