Red Gorilla recycling bins (for businesses & offices)

Red Gorilla Recycling Bins are the quality bin of choice now for small businesses, with new legislation (from 31 March 2025) making firms employing 10 or more staff, responsible for separating waste, for recycling.

Read our post on how to recycle (almost!) everything.

Business with 10 or more staff now need to separate their waste into:

• Paper & Card
• Glass & Metals (including foil)
• Food waste

The same law now applies to non-domestic premises like:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Places of Worship
• Hotels

Sold in 5 colours, these bins feature clip lids to secure, and are in 3 sizes:

• 30 L
• 50 L
• 80 L

You can also download free recycling labels, to attach. Trade orders are welcome, just open an account.

Businesses are now looking to invest in better recycling bins, and these tick all the boxes:

• Colour codes makes for easy sorting
• They have clip-lids to keep contents secure
• They are weatherproof
• They are easy to clean and rinse with soapy water.
• They are easy to carry (2 simple handles)
• They are resistant to UV rays and frost (made from high-density polyethylene )
• They are easy to store (the cylindrical design lets them be pushed into corners, or under desks or worktops).
• Can be stacked when not in use (ideal for large businesses that have a lot of bins).

If recycled materials are not sorted properly, they often end up mixed on landfills, and some waste (food scraps etc) end up decomposing and running off into surrounding soil.

Decaying waste also releases toxic gases, the whole point of avoiding landfills in the first place.

Always use desktop lamps and blinds at night to help prevent birds flying into windows. And choose non-toxic indoor plants if used, if working near pets (toxic ones include lilies and sago palm). And avoid/remove if hot-desking with others. 

Why office recycling matters

Offices produce a surprising amount of waste.

Paper may be printed and discarded. Food packaging may be left after lunch. Employees may use drinks cans, plastic bottles, coffee cups, and other containers throughout the day.

If all of this material goes into one general waste bin, recyclable materials can become mixed with other rubbish. This can make recycling more difficult.

Separating waste at the point where it is thrown away can make the process much easier.

A well-planned recycling system also makes employees more aware of what they throw away. When different bins are clearly labelled, people have to think about whether something belongs in paper recycling, food waste, general waste, or another recycling stream.

Choosing the right size

A small office may not need large bins in every room. A larger workplace may need bigger containers in busy areas such as kitchens and staff rooms.

Red Gorilla Gorilla Bins are available in 30-litre, 50-litre, and 80-litre sizes.

• A 30-litre bin can be useful for smaller areas or locations where waste levels are relatively low.
• A 50-litre bin provides more capacity and may work well in shared office areas, kitchens, and break rooms.
• An 80-litre bin is suitable for areas where larger amounts of waste are produced or where the bin does not need to be emptied as frequently.

Businesses should consider how much waste each area produces before buying bins. There is little benefit in placing a very large container in a quiet office where only a small amount of waste is produced.

At the same time, a small bin in a busy staff kitchen may quickly become full.

Using different colours for recycling

One useful feature of the Red Gorilla range is the availability of different colours. Colour can make recycling easier to understand.

You can also download free labels on the website for different items.

For example, a company could choose one colour for paper and card, another for food waste, another for general waste, and another for other recyclable materials.

The exact colour system should be based on the company’s waste collection arrangements. The important thing is consistency.

If a blue bin means paper in one area but general waste in another, employees may become confused. A consistent system throughout the workplace is easier to follow.

Red gorilla bins in office kitchens

Office kitchens are often one of the busiest places for waste. Employees may eat lunch, make coffee, prepare snacks, and use drinks containers throughout the day. This means a kitchen can produce several different types of waste.

A recycling system should be placed somewhere convenient. If the bins are hidden away or difficult to reach, employees may simply use the nearest container. Several bins can be placed together to create a recycling station.

For example, a kitchen might have separate containers for food waste, paper and card, other recyclable materials, and general waste. The bins should be positioned where employees can easily see them. Simple signs can explain what should go into each container.

Red Gorilla bins in meeting rooms

Meeting rooms can also benefit from recycling bins. Meetings often involve drinks, printed documents, packaging, and food. A small or medium-sized bin can be placed near the exit or in a suitable corner of the room.

If a company regularly provides bottled drinks or refreshments during meetings, having suitable recycling containers nearby can make disposal easier. Paper from meetings can also be collected separately where appropriate. A clean and organised waste area helps keep meeting rooms looking professional.

Red Gorilla Bins for open plan offices

Open-plan offices can create particular challenges for waste management. Many people may share the same space, while desks can be relatively close together.

Large bins under every desk can take up valuable space and make recycling difficult to manage. Instead, businesses can create central recycling points.

A group of clearly labelled bins can be placed in convenient locations around the office. Employees can then take their waste to the correct recycling point rather than keeping large bins beside their desks.

Clip lids and waste management

The Gorilla Bin range includes clip lids. A lid can help keep the contents contained when the bin is not being emptied.

This can be particularly useful in areas where waste needs to remain inside the container for some time. A closed bin can also give the workplace a tidier appearance.

Some recycling containers work better when they are open and clearly visible. If employees have to repeatedly open a lid to dispose of small items, they may find the system less convenient.

Easy cleaning

Recycling bins can become dirty over time. Food packaging, drink containers, and other waste may leave residue inside the container. For this reason, bins should be cleaned regularly.

Red Gorilla bins have a smooth design that can make routine cleaning easier. Cleaning schedules should be part of the overall office waste management plan.

Staff responsible for cleaning should know how often each bin needs to be emptied and cleaned. Food waste containers may need more frequent attention than bins used mainly for dry paper. Good maintenance keeps the recycling area cleaner and more pleasant for employees.