6 tips for battery recycling in your business
1. Tape up the ends
Tape the ends of used batteries using non-conductive tape such as sticky tape, duct tape or electrical tape. This prevents sparking that creates potential fire hazards.
2. Safely store your batteries
If you can't recycle your batteries straight away, store them in clearly labelled glass containers. Make sure the container isn't airtight as pressure can build up!
3. Keep your batteries away from heat sources
Make sure your batteries aren't exposed to excessively hot temperatures or heat sources within the office! Keep your batteries out of the sun in a cool, dry place until you can recycle them.
4. Recycle your batteries within six months
Drop off your batteries within six months of use. You can recycle batteries at any of the locations listed on our website.
5. Don't throw your batteries in the rubbish or recycling
Batteries cannot be disposed of in general rubbish or recycling bins! Always recycle batteries at the locations listed on our website.
6. Consider rechargeable batteries
Most rechargeable batteries can be re-used many times! Rechargeable batteries are not only an affordable option they are also a great choice for the enviroment.
If your workplace is interested in battery recycling, Council may be able to assist by providing a free battery box. Contact the waste and recycling team for more information:wasteandrecycling@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
For more information on the benefits of recycling batteries please visit the Council website.
Top 10 composting tips for business
Composting is a natural way to provide nutrients to soil, reduce methane gas and lower the volume of waste reaching landfill.
Whether you are in the hospitality industry and discard high volumes of food, or want to boost your office’s recycling habits, composting allows businesses to divert waste, save money and give back the environment.
Here are 10 tips for implementing a composting system into your business.
1. Define your composting list
Clearly identify what your team should and should not compost.
Fruits, vegetables, meat & fish scraps, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, grains, nut shells, eggshells, sauce, coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea bags and leftover food are all good to go.
On the other hand, steer clear of produce stickers, plastic cutlery, tin foil, rubber gloves, and any synthetic or non-organic, materials.
2. Signage
Place a list or image on the bin or wall above clearly outlining what materials can be composted to encourage participation and reduce contamination.
3. Educate the team
Take a moment to discuss your composting venture, including accepted materials, composting benefits and the process being implemented.
Employees that are involved from the beginning are more likely to participate.
4. (Compostable) Bag it
Compostable bags help prevent mess and make the process easier for both collection and transfer to the main composting bin.
5. Pest free zone
To prevent attracting any unwanted critters, avoid composting meats and oily foods.
6. Keep it snappy
Composting should not be any more time consuming than other waste disposal.
Rather than throwing your scraps into the general waste bin, simply toss them into the compost bin instead.
7. What Smell?
By keeping the collection bin sealed, there should be very minimal odour. Should a smell become noticeable, empty earlier than usual. There are also products available to assist with smell and decomposition rate.
8. Location location location
Place your compost bin closest to where majority of your organics are produced and discarded, such as the kitchen or break room.
This will make composting convenient and promote more participation.
9. Create Your Own Green Team
Elect a composting champion or team to analyse the program’s success, manage emptying rosters, encourage employees to get involved and track progress.
10. Complete the cycle
Once fully decomposed, put your compost to good use by adding to your office plants, garden beds and anywhere you currently have soil.
