By Ryan Mahoney, ACUA Communications Assistant
There
are many benefits to starting a recycling program for your business. Companies
that recycle are making a positive impact on the environment, can boost
employee morale and have an improved corporate social responsibility. Below are
some tips you can use to run a successful recycling program at your place of
work.
1. Designate a recycling coordinator.
Giving a person or group the responsibility
of running a recycling program will cause them to feel more liable and
dedicated to your program’s success. The appointed recycling coordinator(s)
will start the program, build enthusiasm and monitor progress. Being a
recycling coordinator is a great opportunity because you get the chance to
inspire coworkers to protect the environment.
2. Perform a waste audit.
Not all companies are the same. Restaurants
will have more cans and bottles to dispose of while sales offices may have more
paper. Doing a waste audit on your business will help you understand which
materials should be separated and recycled as part of your program.
3. Get employees on board with announcements.
The everyday actions of employees will
determine whether your recycling program is a success. Announcements should be
made to all employees informing them about the program, what your organization
will recycle, and the importance of doing so. You can hold meetings and
seminars to educate employees.
4. Visually promote recycling.
Posters and signs displayed around the office can be quick
reminders for employees and encourage them to recycle. Use creative visuals and
slogans to attract their eye and help them remember the dos and don’ts of
recycling. Simple everyday reminders can train employees to dispose of common
everyday items correctly. Showing recycling statistics will allow them to
understand why recycling is important and how their choices can make a positive
impact.
5. Take
advantage of single-stream recycling.
Single stream recycling means paper,
cardboard, glass, plastics, cans and cartons can all be disposed of in the same
container. This process is easier on employees who do not have to put as much
thought into organizing waste into separate bins.
6. Send out weekly recycling tip reminders.
It is important for us to recycle, but it
is also important for us to recycle right. Sometimes taking in a whole list of
information can make it more difficult to remember. Using email or your
company’s intranet, you can send out quick reminders like “throw plastic
bottles in recycling and their lids in the trash” or “plastic bags are not
recyclable.” This will help employees remember how to recycle correctly and
remind them the importance of recycling.
7. Get smart about recycling receptacles.
Location, location, location. Choosing the
right location may be the most important rule in real estate but is also
important when deciding where to put your recycling bins. If employees are
forced to walk far away to throw out their recyclables, they may not do it. You
should place recycling containers near trash bins so they can make the right
decision in one place. Make recycling easier by placing them next to places
where trash is produced like copy machines, printers and paper shredders.
8. Monitor
and evaluate your recycling.
Businesses need to evaluate their recycling
programs to discover issues and learn how to make improvements. The best way to
measure your success is to weigh your recycling waste when you start your
program and a few months down the road to see the results. If there is not a
big difference, you know that more action needs to be taken.
9. Develop incentives and hold friendly competitions.
Developing rewards and holding
interdepartmental competitions can get employees excited about recycling.
Awards can include company parties or paid vacation days. Encourage employees
to recycle in a competition and it can train them to turn it into a habit.
10. Go fully green.
There are so many
more ways businesses can contribute positively to the environment than just
recycling. Implement other green initiatives at the same time by conserving
energy, repurposing materials and purchasing more recycled office products.
Groups can also
participate in our Adopt-A-Road program. Keep Atlantic County clean by adopting
and cleaning a section of a county road. This will improve your business’s
impact on the environment and is a great team bonding experience. We provide
all necessary equipment and you will be acknowledged with a road sign
displaying your name. Click here for more information.
