Where Should You Put Recycling Bins in the Office for Maximum Use?

One of the most overlooked aspects of an effective recycling programme is bin placement. Even with the best intentions and signage, if recycling bins aren’t where people need them, they won’t get used. Strategic placement is essential for boosting recycling rates and reducing contamination in New Zealand workplaces.

Here’s where and how to place recycling bins in the office for maximum impact.

1. Kitchens and Break Areas

These are the top-priority areas for recycling bins. Staff are likely to discard packaging, food containers, cans, and bottles during breaks. Include clearly labelled bins for:

• Mixed recycling

• Organics/food waste (if applicable)

• General waste

Pro Tip: Place recycling and landfill bins side by side to encourage correct sorting.

Further Reading: Choosing the right size recycling bin can make all the difference in keeping your workplace clean, compliant, and clutter-free. From small offices to busy cafés, getting the bin size right helps streamline waste management and encourage proper recycling. For a helpful guide, check out our article: How to Choose the Right Size Recycling Bin for Your Workplace.

2. Beside Printers and Photocopiers

Paper waste is common near shared printers. Position paper-only bins right next to each printer or copier station to encourage recycling instead of tossing into general waste.

3. Meeting Rooms and Shared Spaces

People often discard drinks, documents, and snack wrappers after meetings. Providing a set of compact, clearly labelled bins can improve collection in these high-use spaces.

4. Workstation Zones

In open-plan offices, small desk-side recycling bins can be effective, especially for paper. Pair them with small landfill bins to prompt sorting habits.

Optional: Centralised waste stations are a great alternative — they reduce desk clutter and make cleaning more efficient.

5. Reception and Public Areas

Place bins near the entrance for brochures, visitor handouts, or drink containers. Use aesthetically pleasing bins that match your office décor while staying functional and labelled.

6. High-Traffic Hallways

Install recycling hubs in busy walkways. These encourage participation during movement around the office and reduce dumping into general waste bins out of convenience.

7. Kitchens (Again!)

Yes, we’re repeating it. Kitchens are often the most neglected — and most contaminated — recycling zones. Regular monitoring and good signage here make a big difference.

Bonus Tip: Make Recycling the Easy Option

• Always co-locate recycling with general waste

• Use consistent colour coding and NZ recycling standards

• Keep signage clear, visual, and in line of sight.

For a full breakdown of how to implement a workplace recycling system from scratch, read our article: Workplace Recycling Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide. It covers everything from waste stream selection to team engagement strategies to help you build a recycling culture that lasts.

Conclusion

Correct bin placement is one of the simplest ways to boost recycling rates in your office. Make recycling convenient, visible, and clearly labelled — and you’ll set your team up for success.

Explore Insinc’s range of office recycling bins, signage and sorting solutions — perfect for New Zealand businesses ready to take recycling seriously.