How your business can participate in Global Recycling Day 2025
Did you know that only 16% of the 2.1 billion metric tonnes of solid waste generated each year is recycled? Global Recycling Day serves as a pivotal reminder of the importance that recycling plays in preserving our planet’s natural resources and combating climate change, marking a key opportunity for businesses to step up their sustainable waste management efforts. Read our top tips below to start implementing simple yet effective recycling strategies within your business.
When is Global Recycling Day?
Global Recycling Day takes place on March 18th each year. Established in 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation, this day emphasises the need to view waste materials as valuable resources. It promotes the concept of recycling as the ‘Seventh Resource’ alongside the planet’s six primary resources: water, air, coal, oil, natural gas, and minerals. The 2025 Global Recycling Day theme is ‘breaking barriers’, which highlights the importance of stakeholder participation to address the global waste management crisis.
Why should your business get involved in Global Recycling Day?
Businesses are at the forefront of environmental impact, both in terms of resource consumption and waste generation. As stated by Global Recycling Day, “there is no doubt recycling is on the front line in the war to save the future of our planet and humanity. Each year the ‘Seventh Resource’ (recyclables) saves over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and this is projected to increase to 1 billion tons by 2030.”
But aside from the wider sustainability benefits that come with preserving our planet, what advantages can participating in Global Recycling Day bring to your business?
Customers and stakeholders are increasingly favouring businesses that prioritise sustainability, so participating in Global Recycling Day 2025 can enhance your company’s reputation and even increase sales. Involving staff in your recycling initiatives fosters a culture of responsibility and teamwork, making your business a more desirable place to work. And, not to mention, recycling also leads to significant cost savings, helping to improve your bottom line.
Top tips for participating in Global Recycling Day 2025
1) Conduct a waste audit
Begin by conducting a comprehensive waste management audit. This involves assessing the types and quantities of waste your business produces on a daily basis. This audit will identify key areas where your recycling efforts can be improved.
2) Establish comprehensive recycling programmes
Once you’ve completed a waste audit, you can begin to make improvements to your current recycling programmes. Ensure that recycling bins are conveniently located throughout your premises and clearly labelled for materials such as paper, plastics, glass, and metals. You could also consider collaborating with a trusted waste management company, like McCarthy Marland, to manage the collection and processing of your recyclable materials.
3) Educate & involve your employees
It’s no good just placing a few recycling bins around your premises if your employees aren’t on board. Hold regular training sessions to educate your staff on proper recycling practices and the environmental impact of waste. You could even introduce rewards for individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to recycling initiatives.
4) Participate in community events
Global Recycling Day is all about getting out and about in the community to aid with recycling efforts. Engage your employees in local clean-up activities to help showcase your business’ commitment to environmental stewardship. Or, introduce some friendly competition to make recycling a bit more fun, and challenge other businesses or departments to recycling contests. And don’t miss the opportunity to shout about these events on your company’s social media pages.
5) Partner with other sustainable businesses
Consider partnering with likeminded eco-friendly businesses to strengthen your commitment to a circular economy. Purchase your office supplies and packaging from companies that utilise recycled materials, or explore biodegradable alternatives to further reduce waste.
Improve your business’ recycling efforts with McCarthy Marland
At McCarthy Marland, we understand the challenges that businesses face with regards to managing waste sustainability. We offer a range of tailored commercial and industrial waste management solutions to handle various waste streams, including wheelie bin hire, skip hire, and waste collection. We achieve an average recycling rate of 95% across all four of our recycling centres – so, by partnering with us, you can be confident that we will recover and recycle as much of your waste as possible.
Get in touch today to discover how we can help support your business’ recycling efforts.