What’s your recycling resolution for 2026? Are you hoping to reduce cross-contamination, or perhaps send less waste to landfill?
When we asked our customers what their top recycling resolution was, most of them said creating a clearer recycling system. So, we’ve pulled together the top three ways you can achieve this in your facility, using colour-coding and tailored labels.
1. Colour-coding
One of the simplest and most efficient ways to make your recycling system clearer is to use different colours to identify each waste stream.
Research shows that colours have a strong connection to memory and attention*. They make people more likely to notice something in the first place, and more likely to remember it later. That’s why waste management systems in countries all over the world use colour-coding – so why not bring that into your own facility?
You may want to consider your local colour-coding system when creating one for your facility. For example, a glass bottle would usually go in a blue or brown bin in the UK, a yellow bin in Germany, and a green one in France!
You’ll need different types of bins in different areas of your facility so it’s important to look for a manufacturer who can provide different types of bins in the same colours, so your system stays consistent throughout your facility. Both our Slim Jim® and BRUTE® bins are available in eight colour variations, making them easy to integrate into a colour-coded waste management system.
2. Clear labelling
Legibility should be your main focus with any type of labelling. Make the text big enough and easy to read – this probably isn’t the time for fancy cursive fonts, even in a luxury venue.
When choosing bin labels, you should also consider if you need multiple languages displayed in your facility. For example, Torfaen Leisure Trust used our Label Customisation Tool to include both English and Welsh on their recycling stations. They were able to tailor the label to their location and customer base, making it both legally compliant and easier to understand.
3. Icons
A key part of the bin label is the icons you choose to represent each waste stream. It’s straightforward enough to use two languages in a bilingual workspace, but what if you’re running a business like a hotel with hundreds of international guests?
This is where it’s important to have pictures that speak louder than words. Choose bins with labels that include simple, easy to understand icons for every waste stream. The most useful icons are ones that represent what actually gets thrown away in your facility. Think of a recycling bin in an employee breakroom for example, is it more likely to be used for plastic bottles, or for cardboard boxes? The icons on each bin should reflect the types of waste those bins will be used for.
With our Label Customisation Portal, you also have the option to include your business’ logo on your label to ensure consistent branding across every part of your facility.
Another top tip is to display recycling posters around your facility with these icons showing what goes in each stream. Our editable poster templates include a range of waste examples to suit your specific needs, including examples of what not to put in that bin.
Reach out to our team today to find out how our customisable multi-stream recycling systems can help your business. And for more recycling tips and industry insights, check out our other blog articles.
*The Influence of Colour on Memory Performance: A Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3743993/
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