How Recycling Champions can benefit your business

What is a Recycling Champion?

A nominated person or persons would be an advocate for the recycling services that your business has in place and would be responsible for encouraging their colleagues to use the recycling services correctly and to the best of their ability. They would ‘champion’ recycling in all aspects and be encouraged to engage with their colleagues to promote recycling, through departmental or team challenges, or incentives. A Recycling Champion is a carefully selected employee (or more than one) who plays a key role in promoting and supporting recycling efforts within a workplace. The role involves:

• Being an advocate for sustainability: Someone passionate about environmental change and committed to improving recycling practices.

• A motivator and educator: Strong influencing and interpersonal skills would be beneficial as a Recycling Champion will need to encourage colleagues to use recycling services correctly and consistently.

• Be knowledgeable on your recycling and waste services: A Recycling Champion will be a key point of contact on hand to answer employee questions, clarify procedures, and promote awareness of the recycling systems in place.

• Leadership: Being a role model for others, someone willing to foster collaboration and consider mechanisms to boost engagement and participation.

Key Responsibilities

-Promote correct use of recycling bins and services.

-Engage with colleagues to address barriers to recycling, raise awareness and enthusiasm.

-Monitor recycling behaviours, service performance and suggest improvements.

-Organise team-based recycling training, initiatives or competitions.

-Provide feedback to management on recycling performance and barriers.

Why appoint a Recycling Champion?

Appoint a Recycling Champion (or Champions) and transform your sustainability efforts! These champions lead by example, helping teams recycle correctly, reduce contamination, and boost recycling rates. Their role goes beyond sorting waste- they inspire a culture of responsibility, making sustainability part of everyday work.

Through peer-to-peer engagement, they encourage learning and accountability, turning recycling into a shared mission. With a Recycling Champion on board, your organisation moves closer to its environmental goals- one action at a time.

What support will you need to provide/put in place for them to succeed?

To ensure Recycling Champions thrive in their role, it’s essential to provide the right support and structure. Consider the following:

Clear Expectations: Ensure Recycling Champions fully understand their responsibilities, including how recycling should be separated and how they can positively influence others.

Dedicated Time: Allocate specific time for Champions to familiarise themselves with recycling requirements and best practices. This time should also allow for meaningful engagement with colleagues to promote awareness and participation.

Training and Resources: Provide accessible training materials, visual guides, and regular updates to help Champions stay informed and confident in their role.

Ongoing Engagement: Encourage Champions to share feedback, raise challenges, and celebrate successes. This helps maintain motivation and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Recognition and Support: Acknowledge their efforts and provide regular encouragement. Consider creating a network or forum where Champions can connect, share ideas, and learn from each other.