How Sustainable Practices Drive Business Growth

Recycling for Success: How Sustainable Practices Drive Business Growth

Sustainability is no longer an option for businesses but a necessity.

With the growing importance of eco-friendly initiatives, businesses are under more pressure to adopt sustainable practices in their operations, particularly in waste disposal.

Building a sustainable business is easier than you think, and one of the key ways is through recycling. City Return and Earn is committed to supporting businesses in their sustainability goals through our waste management facility. Our recycling initiatives can help your business gain both financial and environmental benefits.

Let’s look at how recycling and business success go together and how your business can take the first step.

Australian bank notes

Why Businesses Should Prioritise Environmental Responsibility

There is a growing importance for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Australia, as more Aussies favour companies that are able to show tangible CSR practices in their day-to-day activities. CSR is a commitment to better social, environmental, and business practices.

Brands with strong sustainability commitments gain public trust and loyalty, while those that fall short face increased scrutiny and reputational risks. According to a study by McKinsey and NielsenIQ, companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices achieve an average growth of 28% over a 5-year period, while companies that don’t only grow by 20%.

The results of CSR aren’t just financial. Studies show that investors are twice as likely to invest in companies with strong CSR programs. Meanwhile, 83% of Millennials would be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to social and environmental issues. This is a clear indication of how being a responsible organisation can help businesses:

• Attract and retain quality talents.
• Attract better investors.
• Build positive customer sentiments.
• Save money and time on employment and business processes.
• Increase their bottom line.
• Contribute to a better environment and leave a positive footprint for future generations.

Recycling is one of the easiest ways for businesses to reduce their environmental impact, as it can be embedded into the organisation’s existing processes. Let’s examine its key benefits.

Empty plastic bottles

The Benefits of Recycling for Businesses

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials that would otherwise go into landfills into new, reusable materials. Australians generate over 67 million tonnes of waste each year, with only about 55% of this being recycled or composted. Unfortunately, the rest is sent to landfills, contributing to the release of greenhouse gases, land degradation, and water contamination.

With recycling, businesses can significantly reduce this. Companies that recycle play a big part in conserving our natural resources, reducing water, air, and land pollution, and protecting our ecosystem.

Implementing a recycling program offers practical benefits that extend beyond environmental impact. Businesses can achieve significant cost savings by reducing waste disposal expenses and taking advantage of refunds or rebates for recyclable materials.

Additionally, recycling also fosters stronger community and client relationships. By actively participating in sustainable local initiatives, businesses can position themselves as a responsible corporate entity, building more trust and goodwill.

Our case study with Qantas highlights the importance of setting up recycling initiatives. By collaborating with City Return and Earn, the national airline carrier established dedicated collection points within their airport lounges, allowing passengers to conveniently deposit their empty bottles and cans. This allowed the business to divert waste successfully and provide travellers with a convenient way to dispose of containers.

Bin full of trashes

The Role of City Return and Earn in Commercial Recycling

City Return and Earn is a trusted recycling partner for businesses in Australia. Our partnership has enabled companies in all industries, from event organisers to schools and recreational parks, to recycle and reach their sustainability goals.

As key participants in the NSW government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), we support businesses by turning their recyclable waste into monetary benefits. Our services include:

• Setting up easy-to-use recycling systems in their office spaces and events.
• Organising a reliable collection service for all waste
• Transforming waste into recyclable materials at our waste management facility
• Providing businesses with a refund for each eligible container that’s recycled
• Comprehensive waste management reporting, including a record of waste diverted from landfill

By partnering with City Return and Earn, businesses can conveniently incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. It also helps them save while contributing to a greener community and achieving better stakeholder recognition.

Eligible container

How To Start With City Return and Earn

For commercial businesses, such as restaurants, airports, cafes, and entertainment centres, City Return and Earn offers a comprehensive recycling service that saves them time and effort. Our team handles the entire recycling process, from waste collection to counting and refunding our clients.

If you’re a business interested in recycling with City Return and Earn, here’s how you can get started:

• Step 1: Set up a commercial account with City Return and Earn.
• Step 2: Use your account to request your first bin by clicking on “Initial Setup and Bin(s) delivery" from our team.
• Step 3: Our team will deliver your new recycle bins to your chosen location.
• Step 4: Start filling your bins with eligible containers.
• Step 5: Once your bins are full, use your account to schedule a collection. Our team will then collect the bins and swap them for new ones.
• Step 6: Your bins will be sent to our depot, where we will process your recyclable waste and give you 10 cents for each eligible container.

Alternatively, you can drop off your containers at our Silverwater and Mascot waste management facility for recycling, where we will process your recyclables and cash refunds.

In conclusion, adopting a recycling initiative in your business doesn't have to be complicated. By partnering with City Return and Earn, you can contribute to the environment and grow your sustainability initiatives conveniently and easily.

Visit our Commercial Services page to learn more about partnering with us.