Make 2024 the year you change that. It's easier than you think to set up a good recycling and compost system at work.

Just think of the difference it will make - plus it's a great way to encourage your colleagues to set up similar systems at home.

Talk to your manager about making your workplace more waste - wise.

Here are some tips:

• Signage is the key so stick posters on each bin/collection container simply explaining what can go in it - visit Planet Ark for signage.
• Ditch the under - desk bins if you still have them. Having central rubbish recycling and compost bins will encourage staff to sort their waste. As an added benefit it gets people up and moving throughout the day!
• Set up a worm farm or compost bin for organic food scraps coffee grounds and paper towel. Take this one step further by creating a workplace garden or vegie patch and use the compost or worm juice to feed it.
• Set up a container for collecting tea bags in your office kitchen. These can be placed in your compost bin although make sure you buy teabags that don't contain plastic.
• Tea leaves are a better alternative than tea bags and can be placed in either worm farms or compost bins so consider providing tea leaves and tea infusers in your staff kitchen.
• Nominate a favourite local charity or club to collect eligible drink containers for to raise funds using the Container Deposit Scheme.
• Start a collection point for items that can be recycled for free within Geelong just not in the regular kerbside waste system. Examples include pens and USBs these can be recycled at Officeworks stores. Check out our A - Z online waste guide for more ideas.
• Don't forget that just like at home batteries can never be placed in any bin that is collected through the regular kerbside system. Tape any batteries and take them to your local supermarket for free recycling or if they are a larger lithium battery to your local Bunnings.

Let us know what your workplace is doing to become more waste wise by emailing us.