Turning Waste into Resources and Embedding Environmental Best Practice

This week is Recycle Week, an annual initiative by Recycle Now that celebrates recycling and promotes practices that support environmental stewardship. To mark the occasion, we’re showcasing how OCS has embedded sustainability into daily operations at our customer site, KBR, transforming waste into resources and fostering a workplace culture rooted in environmental best practices.  

Organic Recycling: Nature’s Helpers at Work

OCS has launched several initiatives that harness natural processes to reduce organic waste. On-site wormeries convert food scraps into nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to nourish the gardens. Used coffee grounds are collected and repurposed as a natural soil enhancer, helping plants thrive while diverting waste from landfills. Compost bays have been strategically placed to allow biodegradable waste to break down efficiently, supporting a closed-loop system. 

In partnership with the local supply chain, grass clippings from the site are donated to a nearby farmer, who uses them as bedding and feed for a donkey sanctuary, demonstrating how circular thinking can benefit both the environment and the community. 

Smarter Food Waste Solutions

Food waste at KBR is managed with creativity and care. Surplus meals are redistributed through Olio, a food-sharing platform that connects excess food with those who need it. This initiative is tracked through quarterly reporting to ensure transparency and measure impact. 

Leftover kitchen ingredients are reimagined into fresh soups and salads, reducing waste while offering nutritious, inventive lunch options. A waste-to-water machine has also been introduced, converting food waste into greywater that can be reused for cleaning and irrigation, closing the loop and reducing water consumption. 

Reusables & Responsible Choices 

Single-use items are being phased out in favour of sustainable alternatives. Staff are encouraged to use reusable salad bowls, eliminating the need for disposable containers. Recyclable cups and refillable water bottles are now standard, supported by water dispensers throughout the site to reduce reliance on bottled water. 

Where disposables are necessary, canned water is offered as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Bamboo cutlery has also replaced plastic utensils, offering a compostable, plant-based option that aligns with the site’s sustainability goals. 

Paper Reduction & Conscious Consumption

Even small changes can make a big difference. Through smarter distribution and awareness campaigns, the use of paper napkins has been reduced by an impressive 60–70%. This simple shift not only cuts down on waste but also encourages more mindful consumption across the workplace. 

Why It Matters

These initiatives go beyond compliance; they reflect a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. By embedding sustainability into everyday routines, OCS and KBR are proving that small actions can lead to meaningful change. 

As Recycle Week reminds us, every choice counts. Whether it’s feeding worms, saving donkeys, or sipping from a reusable bottle, KBR’s green journey is a testament to what’s possible when we rethink waste and embrace sustainability with purpose.