Simple Office Swaps to Produce Less Waste

Reduce Waste before it's a Problem

Whether your organisation is aiming for zero waste or just starting to make more conscious purchasing decisions, embracing circular solutions is a powerful step. These actions help cut costs, support sustainable suppliers, and prevent waste before it starts.

Here are simple, high-impact swaps that keep materials in use for longer and eliminate waste before it starts.

Circular Kitchen Swaps

Office kitchens are often the largest source of avoidable waste. Taking a circular approach means setting up systems that prioritise reuse and reduce the need for single-use items. Make the system visible and easy to use. Signage, reminders, and shared ownership all help encourage uptake.

Start with these ideas:

• Use refill systems for coffee, cleaning products, sugar, and condiments. Buy in bulk and top up reusable containers.
• Switch to milk dispensers or refillable glass bottles. Many local milk suppliers are returning to these models.
• Replace paper towels with washable tea towels. Find a linen service provider that offers energy-efficient and zero-waste laundering, or rotate the task internally if you're a smaller team.
• Stock reusable containers for takeaway and leftovers and keep them visible so people remember to grab them. This small action can significantly reduce waste from single-use packaging.
• Choose circular catering. Find providers who use reusable dishware or collect and clean containers after your events.
• Provide shared basics like cutlery, mugs, and plates. These can be sourced second-hand or refurbished and help avoid single-use cutlery or dishes.
• Remove single-serve sachets for sugar, butter, or sauces. Offer bulk options in jars or dispensers.
• Switch to loose leaf tea with reusable strainers. Most tea bags contain plastic and aren’t compostable.
• Invest in good coffee and use machines with reusable filters. Ask suppliers if they can deliver beans in reusable tubs.
• Create a library of Keep Cups or reusable mugs for people heading to offsite meetings or coffee runs. Include one in onboarding packs so new staff are set up from day one.

Workspaces: Everyday Circularity at the Desk

Desks aren’t typically the biggest source of waste. But collectively, office supplies, tech, and packaging can add up. Small swaps can make a big difference over time.

Try these changes:

• Use refillable whiteboard markers and pens. These produce far less waste than disposable versions.
• Keep a stash of scrap paper for notes or lists. Reusing misprints is more sustainable than sticky notes or notebooks.
• Digitise records and systems wherever you can. Moving to online records can reduce printing and storage needs, while cutting down on paper waste.
• Avoid providing paper towels and tissues altogether where possible. Install hand dryers with low energy usage. This shift helps eliminate the waste entirely rather than managing it downstream.
• Minimise plastic packaging when shipping. Choose cardboard mailers, paper tape, and paper-based protective fillers.
• Invest in rechargeable batteries or devices. This reduces both e-waste and ongoing costs over time.
• Purchase furniture and tech second-hand. Many businesses offer quality office equipment at reduced prices after closures or downsizing.
• Switch to digital business cards. This avoids unnecessary printing and makes updating your contact details easier.

Start with the Quick Wins

You don’t need to make every swap at once. Begin with the areas that create the most waste or require regular purchasing. Then scale from there.

Each change helps build a more circular system. One where resources stay in use for longer, waste is designed out, and impact is reduced from the start. Over time, these swaps help shift mindsets. They normalise reuse, spark better purchasing decisions, and support a culture of responsibility.