When most businesses think about office waste, they picture overflowing bins filled with used paper, empty packaging, and discarded coffee cups. Unfortunately, the true cost of office waste goes far beyond what ends up in the rubbish. Hidden financial, operational, and environmental impacts can quietly eat into a company’s bottom line – often without anyone realising.
From excessive paper use to inefficient packaging and outdated cleaning routines, Australian businesses are losing more than just physical resources. Eco-conscious choices in supplies, packaging, and cleaning products can help reduce waste and save money.
What It’s Really Costing You
Office waste isn’t just about what gets thrown away. It’s also about over-purchasing, poor storage, clutter, and inefficient workflows. All of these issues lead to wasted time, space, and resources.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian businesses generated over 3.3 million tonnes of waste in the
commercial and industrial sector in 2020–21. While much of this waste is physical, the associated costs are often less visible:
- Time spent searching for supplies due to disorganised storage.
- Loss of productivity in cluttered workspaces.
- Money spent on duplicate or unused products that expire or become obsolete.
- Increased disposal costs due to non-recyclable or over-packaged goods.
By implementing more sustainable and efficient supply practices, businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also run smoother and leaner operations.
The True Cost of Paper Waste
Despite the push toward digital transformation, paper waste remains a major issue in Australian offices. According to the ACT Government’s No Waste Paper and Cardboard Factsheet 2022, the average office worker uses around 50 kg or 10,000 sheets of paper annually. For a 20-person office, that adds up to a tonne of paper each year.
The costs of paper waste go far beyond the purchase price of the ream. Producing a tonne of virgin paper uses about 20 trees, 90,000 litres of water, and generates roughly 8 tonnes of CO2.
Simple changes like switching to digital workflows, using recycled or FSC-certified paper, and defaulting to double-sided printing can significantly cut waste without affecting productivity half with zero impact on productivity.
- Switching to LED lighting.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.
- Installing motion sensors in meeting rooms or bathrooms.
- Encouraging “switch off” policies for computers and monitors.
Cleaning Products That Cut Waste
Cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy, hygienic, and professional work environment, but traditional cleaning methods often come at an environmental cost. From single-use plastic bottles to harsh, non-biodegradable chemicals, these products can contribute significantly to pollution and landfill waste.
Fortunately, there are now sustainable alternatives that deliver the same high-quality results without the environmental impact. Consider switching to:
- Refillable cleaning solutions: These products typically come as concentrated formulas that can be diluted on-site in reusable bottles. This approach drastically cuts down on single-use plastics and reduces emissions associated with transporting heavy, pre-mixed liquids.
- Eco-friendly detergents: Look for products certified by GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) or similar trusted ecolabels. These detergents are biodegradable, non-toxic, and often made from plant-based or renewable ingredients, making them safer for both the environment and your staff.
- Recyclable or compostable wipes: Many cleaning wipes are now made from natural, plant-based fibres and come in fully recyclable or compostable packaging. They’re just as convenient, but far more responsible when it comes to disposal.
By making these small but impactful switches, workplaces can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. These changes not only support a circular economy by promoting reuse and responsible sourcing, but also help create a safer, healthier space for employees and visitors alike.
Best of all, they allow workplaces to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, without compromising the wellbeing of the planet.
