Office Recycling Bins
– Create an Eco-Friendly Workspace
This post was last updated in 2023
Hello there my everyday eco-conscious warriors 😊
Today, I’d like to discuss a practical but often overlooked aspect of maintaining an eco-friendly workspace: office recycling bins.
Our home offices are integral to our daily lives and creating an environment that’s not only efficient but sustainable is possible – with the right bin!
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of office bins, in particular focusing on office recycling bins and how they can help streamline your workspace while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Topics covered in this blog post include:
Click on the section that most interests you or keep reading to learn more.
And if you are interested in recycling bins for your kitchen. check out this blog post.
Guide To Buying An Office Bin
When it comes to office organisation and cleanliness, choosing the right bin, especially recycling bins for the office, is essential.
Office bins aren’t just about collecting trash – they play a significant role in waste management, recycling efforts and maintaining a professional and clutter-free workspace.
In this quick guide, I’ll walk you through different elements you need to consider before making a purchase.
Let’s get into it 🚀
1. Choose the right type of bins
There are three types of bins to consider when it comes to your home office:
a. Trash Bins: These are for general waste and non-recyclable items.
b. Recycling Bins: Designed for recyclable materials. They often come in different colours for easy sorting but any bin – coloured or not – can be used to collect recyclables.
c. Shredder Bins: Paper shredders act as a bin for your paper waste. If you deal with a lot of documents with sensitive or personal information, you will want a shredder. Keep in mind, that shredded paper can not directly go in your yellow recycling bin. However, there are ways to ensure this shredded paper does not go to waste.
This blog is focused on the first two options – trash bins and recycling bins.
Some product suggestions for these can be found below.
2. Recycling initiatives
You may want to consider buying bins in different colours or ones that have labels that make it clear which bin is for general waste and which is used for recyclables. This will make things easier for others in your household – and ensures you don’t get mixed up as well!
Some product suggestions for coloured recycling bins can also be found below.
3. Size matters
Consider the size of the bins you need. Smaller bins are suitable for individual workstations or small office spaces, while larger bins may be required for shared workspaces. It’s essential to strike a balance between bin size and available space.
4. Material and durability
Choose bins made from durable materials that can withstand daily office use. Common materials include plastic, stainless steel and metal. Consider factors such as ease of cleaning and whether the bins are resistant to stains or rust.
5. Lid options
Lid options vary for household bins and the choice often depends on the type of waste you’re collecting. Common lid types include flip-top lids, swing lids, pedal-operated lids, and open-top bins.
Odors are less of a problem when considering office bins – you are unlikely to be dealing with food waste. So a closed lid is not essential.
In fact, in a home office environment, open-top bins are best. They’re easier to deal with and seamless to use.
6. Mobility and placement
Some bins come with wheels or casters, making them easy to move around the office. Consider where the bins will be placed and whether mobility is essential for your setup.
7. Maintenance and cleaning
Plan for regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your bins in excellent condition. Consider the availability of replacement parts, liners or at the very least, ensure the bin has a smooth uncomplicated design that is easy to clean.
Like purchasing a kitchen recycling bin, there are many factors to take into account in your purchasing decision.
It’s not about ticking all the boxes – the decision comes down to personal circumstances and personal choice. This is why it is impossible to recommend one perfect home office bin setup.
So below I have recommended a number of products, which should cover most preferences.
Best Office Recycling Bins
The focus of this blog post is to recommend bins where you can collect both recyclable material (mainly paper) and non recyclable material (for your red landfill bin).
The bins recommended below either have dual compartments that can facilitate this or they are items that are reasonably priced that you can purchase two of them, one for each waste stream.
Unlike the bins recommended in the next section, the bins noted below are not colour-coded. To ensure no one gets mixed up about what goes into which bin, you could use stickers to colour code the bins.
Summary: Best Office Recycling Bins
Brabantia BO Pedal Bin
The Brabantia BO Pedal Bin is a recycling champion, designed to simplify waste separation with its two removable inner buckets.
It’s soft closure and super-light pedal operation ensures a gentle and quiet user experience. Moreover, this bin is a space-saving marvel, perfectly fitting into corners or snugly against the wall.
With a 10-year guarantee and a bronze-level Cradle to Cradle certification, this pedal bin is not only practical but also reflects Brabantia’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
What’s to like
- High-quality materials
- Commitment to sustainability from product design to materials used
- The ability to keep the lid open is handy
What’s not to like
- There are complaints that the product arrived dented on delivery
- The most expensive product on this list
- It may be too large for office environments
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
Boperzi Slim Rubbish Bin
The Boperzi Slim Rubbish Bin boasts a compact design that efficiently utilises space. It’s small enough to fit seamlessly into small areas or under your desk.
Featuring convenient handles, this trash can is effortlessly portable, facilitating easy movement between rooms and simplifying the process of emptying garbage and recyclables into larger bins and containers.
Crafted from premium plastic, it combines durability and lightweight convenience, ensuring it stands up to daily use while maintaining a clean and neat environment.
Cleaning is a breeze thanks to its smooth surface, which can be easily wiped with a wet cloth or rinsed with clean water when needed.
The Boperzi Slim Rubbish Bin even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring customer satisfaction and support for any questions or concerns.
What’s to like
- Come in a pack of two, so you have one bin for each waste stream
- Slim and unobtrusive
- Hand handle for easy carrying
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Lid free, making it easy to use
What’s not to like
- The fact that it does not come as one unit (you need to use two seperate bins for each waste stream) may be inconvenient
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
Alipis Trash Basket
The Alipis Trash Basket boasts a sleek and simple design that not only adds a touch of modern elegance to your home or office but also offers long-lasting utility.
It features a slim profile with handles, making it easy to carry and move around. Its narrow bucket design allows it to fit snugly in tight spaces, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximise space.
Constructed from durable plastic materials, this multipurpose garbage can is built to endure daily use, ensuring it remains a reliable and charming addition to your room décor while bringing added convenience to your daily life.
What’s to like
- Comes in a pack of two
- Silm and unobtrusive
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Smooth interior that is easy to clean
- Lid free, making it easy to use
What’s not to like
- Does not come as one unit
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
mDesign Small Metal Trash Can
The mDesign Small Metal Trash Can offers a compact design, fitting seamlessly into tight spaces
Not only does it serve a functional purpose, but this trash can also enhances your decor with its modern and stylish profile. Available in a variety of colours designed to blend in with your existing decor, it discreetly stores and contains your trash and recycling.
Crafted from durable stainless steel with a strong finish, it’s easy to maintain with a simple wipe-down using a damp cloth.
What’s to like
- Made to last
- Easy to clean
- Lid free, making it easy to use
- Comes in a wide variety of colours
What’s not to like
- Does not come in a pack of two – you will need to order two
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
Best Coloured Recycling Bins for Your Office
The Australian Standards for mobile bin colours (AS4123.7-2006) set out the standard colours to be used for recycling bins.
These standards don’t have to be applied to your home but it reduces confusion when we all follow the same standard! So when it comes to purchasing coloured recycling bins for the home, it makes sense to be across the standards and what each colour typically represents.
The three colours we need to be aware of for the home office environment are:
- Red – general waste that can not be recycled or composted
- Yellow-mixed recycling, generally for paper, glass, plastic, steel and aluminium
- Blue – paper only, if you want to separate your paper recycling stream
With the products recommended below, I have focused on recycling bins designed to collect paper – so blue recycling bins – because this is likely to be the most common waste item in your home office.
But I have also provided links to yellow recycling bins in my product recommendations below. This may be a better option for you if you don’t need a separate bin for paper.
So you have two options for your office when it comes to coloured bins:
- One blue bin for paper and one red bin for general waste (with the understanding that any other recyclable items go into another bin in your home)
- One yellow bin for mixed recyclables and one red bin for general waste
Summary: Best Coloured Recycling Bin for Your Office
Eco Bin Flip Bin
The Eco Bin Flip Bin represents a perfect fusion of form, function, and sustainability. It’s thoughtfully designed to maximise functionality, featuring a self-closing lid that maintains a tidy appearance.
The bins are lightweight, tough and built for reuse, and easy to clean.
It’s constructed from post-consumer recycled material and is fully recyclable at the end of its life. Additionally, an open-top version is available for those who prefer it.
What’s to like
- Tough and durable
- Lightweight
- Colour-coded to assist with effective recycling
- Made from recyclable materials and fully recyclable
- Can be purchased in an open top version
What’s not to like
- Might be too large for a home office environment
- Does not come as one unit – you need to buy two bins to collect general waste and recyclables separately
>> Click here to check the price and read more about the blue bin
>> Click here to check the price and read more about the red bin
>> Click here to check the price and read more about the yellow bin
Clear here for sizing details
Eco Bin (Original)
These bins are remarkably strong and durable – they don’t look it but they are. They are lightweight, easy to handle and easy to wipe clean. They feature a smooth edge handle cutout, allowing for a quick grip when moving it around. It has a unique combination of cardboard-like flexibility with plastic’s durability.
Being made from plastic, they can withstand the rigours of everyday use, including impacts, water exposure and exposure to chemicals.
Like all Eco Bins, it is fully recyclable at the end of its life.
What’s to like
- Tough and durable
- Fully recyclable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to move around
- No lid so easy to use
- Smaller sizes more suitable for home office
- Brightly coloured – perfect for encouraging those around you to recycle!
What’s not to like
- It is very lightweight so can knock down easily when empty
- Bright colours may not suit your home decor
>> Click here to check the price and read more about the blue bin
>> Click here to check the price and read more about the red bin
>> Click here to check the price and read more about the yellow bin
Clear here for sizing details
Eco Bins does sell a combined combo of the blue paper recycling bin with a smaller red landfill bin:
The workstation combo is really cute.
If you tend to generate more paper waste than general waste, then this is a great option for you.
Clear here for sizing details
CHILDWEET open trash can
The CHILDWEET open trash is crafted for high durability, it resists deformation and showcases impeccable workmanship. It can effortlessly transform your desk, dresser, or tabletop into a well-organized and tidy space.
Its sleek and modern design features a classic colour palette and smooth lines.
What’s to like
- Colour coded
- Durable
- Has a handle
- Lightweight and easy to move
- No lid so easy to use
What’s not to like
- Does not come as one unit
- Colours may not suit your decor
- Colours are not in line with Australian standards – which is fine – but not ideal
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
Why You Need A Recycling Bin in Your Office
Having different bins to sort out waste is important to ensure we reduce what goes into landfill. Whether it is food waste, plastics, paper, glass or other recyclables, suitable bins inside the home are essential to ensure everyone in your household does their part to minimise landfill waste.
Yes, I acknowledge recycling is not going to solve the world’s problems – but recycling is a part of the solution and we can all do our part. Even when it comes to our home office spaces.
If you need further encouragement, here are some points to consider:
Promote a greener lifestyle
A recycling bin is a visual reminder of your commitment to a more eco-conscious lifestyle. It encourages mindful consumption, waste reduction, and responsible disposal, inspiring those around you to make similar choices.
Tidy up with ease
With recycling bins, you can effortlessly sort your waste like a pro. Segregate your recyclables from non-recyclables at the source, without worrying about digging your hands into your trash to sort it out later.
Pass on the knowledge
One of the most remarkable aspects of having recycling bins at home is the opportunity to educate your little ones about the significance of caring for our planet. It’s a way to nurture the next generation of eco-conscious warriors!
Elegance meets functionality
Worried that recycling bins might clash with your carefully curated home decor? Worry not! Bins come in a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and designs. You can discover chic, stylish bins that seamlessly blend with your interior aesthetics.
When it comes to home office bins, it comes down to finding the right recycling bins for paper and a bin for general waste. A bin to hold other recyclables such as glass, plastic, steel and aluminium is often unnecessary for an office environment.
This is why office paper recycling bins combined with a bin for general waste was the focus of this blog post and the recommendations above.
But even if you do not produce much paper waste, I encourage you to still have two bins in your home office – one bin for mixed recycling (paper, glass, plastic, steel and aluminium) and another for general waste.
The products mentioned above can fulfil that function as well.
Practical Tips For a Sustainable and Organised Office Space
These practical tips will help you seamlessly integrate home office recycling bins into your daily routine, ensuring that you not only reduce waste but also maintain an organised and eco-conscious home office environment:
1. Placement Matters: Strategically position your home office recycling bin near your workspace. This encourages you to toss paper waste into the bin instead of leaving it to clutter your desk.
2. Sort Your Waste: As noted earlier, create a system for categorising your recyclables. Purchase a bin that allows you to separate paper (or other recyclables if you wish) from other waste materials to ensure it goes into the right council bin in the end. Purchase one of the products mentioned above and you’re covered.
3. Empty Regularly: Don’t let your home office recycling bin overflow. Empty it regularly to prevent a mess and to maintain a clean and organised workspace.
4. Recycle Responsibly: Familiarise yourself with your local recycling guidelines. Not all paper products can be recycled, so knowing what’s accepted in your area helps you make informed choices. For more information on this check out this blog post.
5. Reduce Paper Usage: Aim to reduce paper waste in the first place. Use digital documents and emails whenever possible, and only print when absolutely necessary.
6. Reuse Whenever You Can: Before tossing paper into your home office recycling bin, consider if you can reuse it for notes or rough drafts. This minimises waste and saves resources.
Incorporating home office recycling bins into your workspace is a practical and eco-friendly choice. They simplify the process of reducing waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
It’s a small thing but through these conscious actions, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future 🌎
xxx Tahsin
A Heads Up: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Also as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services that will help you take steps towards a more sustainable life and will never recommend anything that does not align, in some way, with these values.
