Recycle Week is back for 2024 with the theme Rescue Me, focusing on sending less to Waste.
The BDC has long been focused on improving it’s impact on the environment and has been working hard to try and support those who use the venue to do the same. We have been Carbon Neutral® for the past fifteen years and are on target to become Net Zero by 2030, but it’s through reducing our footprint that will enable us to get there and activities such as waste management play a part in this.
Now in its 21st year, Recycle Week is Recycle Now’s flagship annual event. A drive to see better recycling across the nation, encouraging us all to recycle more of the right things, more often. This year the theme is Rescue Me and it focuses on rescuing items from ending up in the rubbish bin, whether that be food waste, electrical goods or clothing amongst items that can be saved from waste.
Below are some of the key initiatives that we’ve implemented here at the BDC to try and limit the amount we are sending to general waste:
Bins
We have clearly labelled bins around the venue that allow for anyone to dispose of items appropriately. If you are unsure as to what bin to use, then do please ask a member of staff.
In Jack’s Restaurant, there are bins available that allow you to dispose of food appropriately as well as the usual recycle points. You’ll also notice a separate compostable packaging bin, which means takeaway cups and food packaging that is compostable can be separated from food waste and be treated appropriately.
Located by new hydration stations on conferences we’ve also added bins that are specifically for paper cups, as these can also be composted. We are in the process of improving a recycle point for items such as batteries and ink or toner cartridges, however, these can already be recycled at the front desk.
Signage
Whether it’s an exhibition stand, poster site or clip frame graphic we are trying to encourage organisers, exhibitors and tenants to use recyclable material when it comes to branding their events or offices. This may include avoiding specific dates so materials can be used again – the little things all add up!
Single Use Plastics
At the BDC, we ask organisers and exhibitors to not provide single-use plastic items items at their events, such as bottled plastic water. This is not sold onsite either! We encourage people to bring their own reusable items, such as bottles and travel coffee mugs.
A Good Thing
We partner with A Good Thing, a Community Interest Company (CIC) which runs an online platform allowing businesses (of any size and of any type) to effortlessly donate items to nearby charities, resulting in reduced waste and increased support for worthy causes.
Take a look at how A Good Thing works and try it out – we’ve so far donated everything from new socks and running shoes, to notepads and pens, travel coffee cups and table number stands. If it’s got an onward
Local Charities
Recycling can also mean donating your old clothes, toys and books. Angel is full of local charity shops that allow you to recycle various items. There is an abundance of places where you can donate, just take a look. Choosing second-hand goods helps us cut down on waste, prolong the life of products and support charity groups that help those in need directly. It’s an easy yet effective approach to make a positive impact.
Our newly appointed Sustainability Lead, Chris Harris, is now on hand for organisers, tenants and visitors to advise on how to make their event, office, showroom or visit more sustainable. If you have any questions then please contact us at sustainability@bdc.london
