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Less is More: A Guide to Recycling in the Workplace
Recycling in the workplace is becoming more and more commonplace as businesses look for ways to reduce waste disposal costs and operate in an environmentally sustainable way. This step by step guide was published by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District to give you the tools you need to plan and implement a successful recycling program. No matter if your business is big or small, the Solid Waste District can help you design a program that works for you.
Download the District's Less is More: A Guide to Recycling in the Workplace
What Can Be Recycled?
Most workplaces choose to focus on “fiber” recycling as a first step because this makes up about 41% of the typical office waste stream. Recyclable fiber includes things such as office paper, copy paper, letterhead, computer paper, envelopes, catalogues,brochures, newspapers and magazines, boxboard and cardboard. Many companies and institutions today are concerned about the confidentiality of their records. Recycling paper is a way to ensure confidentiality because recycling companies can provide certified document destruction through their shredding services or locked containers.
Other items you can include in your recycling program are computers, printers, toner cartridges, beverage containers, office equipment, furniture, flourescent bulbs, construction and demolition debris, food and coffee ground composting and more. The more you get into the recycling habit the more fun it is to see how close you can get to “zero waste.”
Mixed Paper & cardboard: catalogues, brochures, newspapers and magazines
Beverage containers (plastic, glass and aluminum)
Other plastics #1-7
Fluorescent bulbs
Electronic waste (e-waste) such as computers, monitors, fax machines, cartridges, etc.
Coffee grinds and food scraps
Office equipment, furniture, office supplies, mattresses and more
How Do We Get Started?
Step 1: Form a Green Team and set goals.
Find champions in your organization. Your green team should include employees at all levels of the company (from senior managers to custodians).
Step 2: Review your current waste disposal contract and waste collection system.
Find your waste contract and a monthly waste invoice. How much are you paying for waste disposal?
Step 3: Conduct a waste audit.
A waste audit will help you determine what is in your waste stream and how much can be recycled. This is an optional but useful activity.
Step 4: Research and select a recycling company.
Many companies provide comprehensive recycling services in Northeast Ohio.
Step 5: Plan your recycling collection system.
Design an internal system to collect recyclables that works for your employees as well as your custodians and provide recycling bins for desk-sides, kitchens, and conference rooms to make it easy.
Step 6: Educate your employees.
Generating employee enthusiasm for recycling is critical to the success of your recycling program. Educate your employees by giving specific instructions on how and what to recycle. Let them know why recycling is being implemented in your company. Use bulletin boards and extensive bin labeling to make the details clear.
Step 7: Track your success and maintain the momentum.
Your recycler should provide you with monthly recycling weights. Use this data to monitor the success of your program and to provide feedback to employees.
If you need help setting up your workplace recycling program, contact the District's Business Recycling Specialist.