Recycling at Work:
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Much of today’s discarded material, especially
paper, comes from businesses. Commercial sources like office buildings,
schools, and institutions, make up about 35 to 45 percent of all municipal
solid waste, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
And, about 93 percent of all office waste by weight is paper. Most of
this could be recycled.
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Steps to Workplace Recycling:
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1. Gather Information
Assess the discards
Conduct an audit to determine the amount and types of materials that
are recoverable or recyclable. For most offices this will mean a variety
of papers. However don't forget the common bottles & cans as well
as all the electronic waste and related products. (Print cartriges)
An audit also provides information about where most of the recyclables
are generated in the company. Records from the local recycler may be
helpful to understand any material fluctuations or cycles.
Target materials for recycling
Identify all materials that are potentially recyclable. Evaluate how
much could be recycled, and how recyclables might best be separated
for collection. Target those materials that are most abundant in the
recycling stream and would be the easiest to separate for recovery.
Talk to your recycler
Your recycling company can provide information about the types of materials
they accept for recycling. Work with them to determine how recycling
specific materials might impact your current hauling contract, services
and costs.
If your company is a tenant in a large office building, the building
owners or management company may contract with the recycler. If the
recycler is not able to accept the materials you want to recycle, contact
a local recycling center. Smaller companies may also want to consider
drop-off recycling.
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Specific issues to discuss
with your recycler
What are the potential costs and benefits of recycling?
Will a decrease in the amount of material going to disposal help
cover the costs of recycling?
Which materials can be recycled most cost effectively?
What grades of paper are handled and what is the minimum amount required
for pickup?
How will material need to be collected? What are the common contaminants
for each material? Will we be notified if material is not
accepted because of contamination?
Will we receive updates on the quality and quantity of materials collected?
Will additional containers or other equipment be required for the
collection of recyclables?
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2. Design a Program
Get management support
Gain the support of your company’s top management for a recycling
program. Before going to management, arm yourself with information
and data that shows program value or identifies a need to improve an
existing recycling program.
Target the appropriate decision maker. Who can make the program happen?
Focus on costs, impact on productivity, staffing, environmental benefits,
and positive public relations.
Request that one individual be assigned responsibility for the program.
Get the support of other leaders in the company to help champion recycling.
Organize collection procedures
To improve participation and the quality of recyclable materials collected,
create a convenient and efficient method for collecting recyclables.
When designing collection procedures or attempting to improve the current
recycling program, consider:
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Containers – Determine the size and number of containers
needed to implement the program. Two containers at each desk—one
for
recycling and one for trash—is optimal. Use color to help identify
what goes
in a bin. Designate different bins for different commodities to help
prevent
contamination of recyclables.
Collection locations – Have at least one common area collection
container for every 15-20 employees. As space permits, put containers
in common areas near copiers, in mail rooms, and at printer locations.
Be sure to consider fire codes that may affect storing paper.
Signage – Post signs on bins and above collection containers
indicating what materials are acceptable and what should be kept out.
Use pictures or other visuals when possible.
Employee participation – Collection procedures should be as
simple as possible to improve employee participation and to allow for
the
most effective separation of recyclables.
Custodial staff – Determine who will be responsible for moving
recyclables from offices to collection locations and eventually to large
recycling containers. In most cases custodial staff will be responsible
for
some or all of this process. Staff and custodial teams will need to
be
trained in these new processes.
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3. Keep the program going
Include information in employee orientation materials – Incorporate
the company recycling guidelines into new employee orientation materials
and presentations.
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Keep up communication – Employee education is an ongoing activity.
Don’t let up. Keep it short, positive, and engaging.
Make adjustments as necessary – Things will likely change as
the program grows. Build in flexibility. Communicate any changes to
employees and the reason
for specific changes.
Get employee input – Survey employees about the program. What’s
working? What’s not? What would improve participation? Recognize
employees that provide exceptional efforts to the program.
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4. Reduce, Reuse
Don't forget the first two R's before you recycle. Tell supliers to
limit packageing to what is only neccesary. Use reusable cups ans plates
in the breakroom. Donate you old computers to Computers
for Classrooms or other worthy non-profit organizations.
For more information, call the Butte County Solid Waste & Recycling
Division at: (530) 879-2352.
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