Office supply waste is a silent but significant contributor to environmental degradation. From excessive paper use and discarded pens to the packaging that comes with every shipment, the collective impact of small workplace habits adds up quickly. Fortunately, addressing this issue doesn’t require an overhaul of operations—just a few smart changes in how offices source, use, and dispose of their supplies.

Here’s a breakdown of the environmental footprint of common office supplies—and what your business can do to reduce it.

1. Paper Waste: Still a Leading Problem

Despite the shift to digital workflows, offices still consume large quantities of paper. Paper and paperboard account for over 23% of municipal solid waste in the U.S. Much of this comes from printing emails, meeting notes, and one-time-use documents.

What to do:

• Set printers to default double-sided printing

• Switch to digital note-taking tools like Notion or Microsoft OneNote

• Purchase recycled or FSC-certified paper from suppliers like Hammermill or Green Field Paper Company

2. Plastic from Disposable Office Supplies

Think pens, plastic folders, sticky note backing, and packaging wrap—most of which are not recyclable. These items contribute to microplastic pollution and landfill overflow.

What to do:

• Opt for refillable pens and highlighters from brands

• Choose supplies with biodegradable or recyclable materials

• Buy in bulk to reduce single-item packaging waste

3. Ink and Toner Cartridge Waste

Millions of ink and toner cartridges end up in landfills every year, with each taking up to 1,000 years to decompose. While many manufacturers offer recycling programs, few offices take advantage of them.

What to do:

• Recycle cartridges through Staples or Office Depot in-store programs

• Buy remanufactured or eco-friendly cartridges

• Set up centralized print stations to minimize usage

4. Shipping and Packaging Waste

Offices that frequently place small, fragmented supply orders generate unnecessary shipping waste. Each delivery comes with boxes, plastic fillers, and fuel emissions tied to transport.

What to do:

• Consolidate orders to weekly or monthly restocks

• Use vendors that offer eco-packaging options

• Encourage bulk buying through platforms like Quill or Boxed

5. E-Waste from Office Tech Accessories

Items like chargers, keyboards, and outdated cables often end up in trash bins. These contribute to e-waste, which contains toxic materials harmful to the environment if improperly disposed of.

What to do:

• Set up an e-waste bin and partner with certified recyclers

• Buy quality tech accessories that last longer

• Donate still-functioning items to nonprofits or schools

6. Lack of Supply Usage Tracking

When teams don’t know what’s in stock, they reorder unnecessarily, leading to waste and overstocking. Supplies expire, get damaged, or sit unused—eventually ending up in the trash.

What to do:

• Implement an inventory management tool like Sortly or Zoho Inventory

• Assign departmental supply coordinators

• Track usage trends to predict and prevent waste

7. The Role of Responsible Procurement

Sustainable supply choices start with procurement. Companies that prioritize vendors offering eco-friendly products and ethical sourcing can dramatically reduce their environmental impact.

What to do:

• Choose vendors that carry ENERGY STAR and FSC-certified products

• Consider using platforms like Grove Collaborative for green cleaning supplies

• Develop an internal sustainable procurement policy

While many businesses are focused on improving operations and reducing costs, overlooking the environmental impact of office supply waste can lead to long-term consequences. By adopting smarter habits, choosing eco-friendly suppliers, and improving inventory awareness, offices can significantly reduce their footprint—without sacrificing productivity.