Global recycling day 2025

Today is Global Recycling Day and a great opportunity to get your recycling house in order. Please take the opportunity to:

1. Set up your waste bin stations.
2. Help and encourage people in your team to dispose of their waste in the right bins.

Set up waste bin stations

Make better use of space, make it easier for colleagues to dispose of their waste and drive up recycling rates. Put one general waste bin (black) and one dry mixed recycling (green) bin side by side, as shown on the picture below and make sure the bins are clearly labelled with the relevant signage – see links to signage below. Your site cleaners will provide a clear bin liner for the dry mixed recycling and a black bin liner for general waste.

Bin signage for delivery offices:

• Dry mixed recycling signage
• General waste signage

Bin signage for Mail Centres:

• Dry mixed recycling signage -
• General waste signage

Please note: Surplus green or black framed bins pictured, can be recycled, contact the asset team on asset.fulfilment@royalmail.com and they will arrange to have them redistributed.

Encourage people in your team to dispose of waste in the correct bins

Royal Mail waste is split into three categories:

• General waste: non-hazardous waste, non-recyclable and food-contaminated waste.
• Dry Mixed Recycling: clean and dry items; plastic bottles, york labels, paper, newspapers, paper cone cups, small cardboard items, glass containers and aluminium cans.
  • Large cardboard and plastic film: should be returned to the mail centre to be bailed.
• Hazardous waste: alkaline batteries and oil contaminated waste (always place in designated red box.

Click here for a quick quiz to run with your teams to help them to remember, what goes where?

For further information please see the ‘What Goes Where Waste Guide’ available on the SHEMS or ask your safety advisor. You can also contact the ESG team at ESGteam@royalmail.com.