Even the most well-meaning employees get recycling wrong. Not because they don't care, but because the rules are not always obvious. Coffee cups look recyclable. Pizza boxes are cardboard. Bubble wrap is plastic. It seems straightforward, but in reality, many of these items do not belong in your office recycling bins.
A well-designed recycling system using commercial recycling bins only works when staff understand what goes where. Without that clarity, contamination increases, recycling gets rejected, and more waste ends up in landfill.
This guide explains exactly what can and cannot go into each stream of your office recycling station, helping your workplace improve sorting accuracy and reduce common recycling mistakes.
If you're reviewing your setup, explore AdMerch's range of office bins, waste recycling station bins, and wheelie bins designed for Australian workplaces.
Mixed Recycling (Yellow Bin)
The mixed recycling bin is designed for clean containers and packaging commonly used in offices, kitchens, and staff breakrooms. This stream captures high volumes of recyclable materials when used correctly.
These items belong in the recycling bin:
- Plastic bottles and containers (rinsed and empty)
- Glass bottles and jars
- Aluminium cans and steel tins
- Milk and juice cartons
- Clean cardboard food packaging
These items do NOT belong in the recycling bin:
Coffee cups are one of the most common recycling mistakes in offices. Despite looking like cardboard, most takeaway cups have a plastic lining and cannot be processed through standard recycling systems. These should go in general waste.
Polystyrene (styrofoam) and soft plastics such as bubble wrap, plastic bags, and cling film should also not be placed in recycling bins. These materials interfere with sorting equipment and contaminate recyclable loads.
Pizza boxes are another common source of confusion. If the box is clean, it can go in the paper and cardboard bin. If it is greasy, the contaminated sections should go in general waste.
Shredded paper should not be placed loose into recycling bins. It is too small for sorting machinery and can contaminate the stream. If needed, place it in a sealed bag or dispose of it as general waste.
Paper and Cardboard (Blue Bin)
The paper and cardboard recycling bin is designed for clean, dry fibre-based materials commonly generated in office environments.
These items belong here:
- Office paper and printed documents
- Flattened cardboard boxes
- Newspapers, magazines, and brochures
- Paper bags and packaging
- Clean cardboard food containers
These items do NOT belong here:
Wet or contaminated paper cannot be recycled. Keep this bin away from sinks and food preparation areas. Laminated paper, receipts (thermal paper), and heavily soiled cardboard should all be placed in general waste instead.
For workplaces generating high volumes of paper waste, a dedicated paper and cardboard recycling bin improves separation and recovery rates.
Organic Waste (Green Bin)
The organic waste bin captures food waste and compostable materials, which are a major component of office waste streams.
These items belong here:
- Food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy)
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Paper towels and napkins
- Eggshells and leftover food
- Certified compostable packaging
These items do NOT belong here:
Plastic packaging should never go in the organic bin, even if it contains food residue. Only certified compostable materials should be included. Liquids should also be emptied before disposal.
A dedicated organic waste bin makes it easier to separate food waste in staff kitchens and breakrooms.
General Waste (Red Bin)
The general waste bin is used for items that cannot be recycled or composted. This includes:
- Coffee cups and lids
- Polystyrene and foam packaging
- Soft plastics and wrappers
- Disposable cutlery and straws
- Greasy food packaging
- Broken glass or ceramics
While necessary, general waste should be minimised. A well-designed recycling system directs as much material as possible into recycling or organics, reducing landfill dependence.
For hygienic disposal in kitchens or bathrooms, step pedal bins are a practical addition to your waste setup.
The Fix: Clear Signage and Better Bin Systems
The main reason recycling fails in offices is not lack of effort, it is lack of clarity. When staff are unsure, they default to general waste. This leads to higher contamination and lower recycling rates.
Clear, visual signage is one of the most effective ways to improve sorting. A waste recycling signage set shows exactly what belongs in each stream and removes guesswork.
For a complete solution, the AdMerch Waste Recycling Station Kit combines colour-coded bins with matching signage, making it easier to implement a consistent system across your workplace.
You can also explore the full range of waste recycling station bins to build a customised setup.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what goes in each recycling bin is essential for any workplace looking to improve sustainability. With the right combination of office recycling bins, clear signage, and staff awareness, businesses can significantly reduce contamination and improve recycling outcomes.
By using a structured system and educating your team, your office can move from guesswork to consistency, making recycling a simple part of everyday operations.
