When you own or manage your own business, there are all sorts of considerations to make in terms of office flow, mission statements, staffing decisions, letterhead, that you may not have recycling in your first set of priorities. This is completely understandable because it might seem like a large project to undertake when you’re getting started. However, if you follow the tips below, you could easily transition your work crew into a highly functioning recycling dream team in no time at all.
1. Begin With An In-Person Meeting
If you want all your employees to be on the same page right out of the gate, begin with a Team Meeting. Although recycling is an easy enough process, there are a lot of details and intricacies to review prior to office-wide implementation. Don’t rely on signage to convey all the important details and distinctions.
Bring everyone together as a group to roll out the announcement and address the new system, as well as any questions or concerns people may have. Laying a little groundwork in-person will go a long way with the overall success of your recycling program.
2. Make Sorting As Easy As Possible
Most programs fail because the instructions are difficult to understand or to implement, or if the process is too confusing or difficult. Minimize this confusion by offering clearly marked bins that display what is acceptable and what is trash. Include signage with both words and images so that there is a larger chance for success.
In terms of storage, be sure to get adequate-sized containers for all your recyclables. You may want to consider investing in a container made with rotational molding, allowing you a certain degree of customization. Be sure to check out options online if this is something that interests you.
3. Find A Good Recycler
It might be shocking to hear, but in certain areas of the country, “recycling” is a bit of a misnomer. Some communities are better than others in terms of taking your recyclables and actually recycling them, and sadly some of these items go directly to the landfill.
Minimize this possibility by researching your local recyclers, and determine what happens to the goods when they take possession of your recyclables. Aim to have your recyclable materials sent to facilities that will break down and eventually reuse or repurpose the items.
Final Recycling Tips For Your Business
There are numerous ways to increase the success of your office recycling program, and most of them revolve around making it as easy and accessible as possible. Consider the following handy tips if you’re thinking of implementing something in your business space.
- Offer Centralized Collection Bins
The more available recycling bins are, the more they will be used. Be sure to station all the appropriate bins in often-used locations like the cafeteria, break room, and copy room. - Offer A Variety Of Recycling Options
Don’t just limit your options to paper. Consider offering recycling for plastics, glass, and cardboard. Some offices even have office recycling containers or a composting station! - Encourage Less Waste Overall
The less garbage that employees bring into the workplace, the less waste and recyclables overall. Encourage low- and no-waste lunches, snacks, and coffee breaks by providing reusable dishes and cups. Go paperless whenever possible, and reuse printer and copier paper for drafts. Use hand blowers in the bathroom over paper towels. Brainstorm! There are always more ways to cut down on consumption.
Good luck with your endeavor and know that it is a worthwhile goal to pursue. Happy Recycling!
