6 Steps to Implement a Recycling Program in Your Facility
On average one office worker in the US uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper per year, making the total amount of copy paper used about 4 million tons each year for all employees nationwide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
And copy paper is not the only waste (i.e., cardboard, cans, etc.) produced each day by office workers. The good news? The EPA estimates that about 80%-90% of all solid waste produced is recyclable.
Not only does recycling conserve landfill space and protect the environment, it also saves your business money. Recycling is less expensive than trash disposal, and companies that use recycling programs or use recycled materials are often eligible for tax credits.
Customers, employees and those throughout the community also notice and appreciate a company that is environmentally friendly, which means your business has a more positive public image than those that choose to be more wasteful. It takes very little money or time to start a recycling program, and the savings continue as long as the program is in place.
Before your business implements a recycling program, it’s best to complete a waste assessment to better understand your facility’s waste sources. The Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management program offers this DIY Waste Assessment Kit. Your local waste management program may offer a guide as well.
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management also recommends these steps your business should take in implementing a waste reduction program:
- Ask business management to offer their support in implementing a recycling program.
- Develop a recycling plan that includes measurable goals to reduce waste. Some questions to ask in developing the plan may include: What can be recycled? What can be reused? Are there items the business can purchase in bulk that would reduce overall waste?
- Select a leader to oversee the recycling program and ensure the program is being used as intended.
- Involve employees. Educate and train employees about the program, and offer incentives to employees for their involvement in achieving goals.
- Implement the plan.
- Continually evaluate the effectiveness of your recycling program, and adjust the goals and policies as often as needed.
Read more about the steps to reducing waste.
Your local government may have a recycling program tailored to businesses with helpful tools. Here is an example of such a concept offered by South Carolina’s Smart Business Recycling Program.
Some recycling programs also offer recycling fact sheets to guide you through successfully reducing waste in certain types of industries. Also, know what to ask a recycling company in choosing the best option for your facility. Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management offers these tips.
Next Steps:
- Subscribe to our blog to receive the full blog series via email and stay informed about the latest HVAC news and insight.
- Stay up to date on facility maintenance tools such as chiller tube cleaners, boiler tube cleaners, hose/pipe cleaners, descaler systems, industrial vacuums, commercial pressure washers, and drain cleaners.
