As much as 90% of office waste in the average workplace can be recycled. Here's how to get started.
Companies everywhere are ramping up efforts to recycle, but sustainability starts with your employees. They're the ones printing the sheets of paper and using the soda cans that often easily end up in the trash can.
In the average workplace, about 80% to 90% of solid waste is actually recyclable, according to the EPA.
Establishing an office recycling program won't just reduce your carbon footprint, but it could also save your business money. Here's how to get started.
The first step to setting up an effective recycling program is to figure out exactly what's going into the trash. Then, you can figure out which products are recyclable and which ones you want to include in your workplace recycling initiative. Do this is by reaching out to whoever collects your recycling, whether it's your municipal waste management program or your building management, and ask them exactly what they recycle and what they don't.
But start small. Don’t overwhelm emplooyees by offering them 20 different items that they can put into recycling containers.
Paper products are a typical place to start. In U.S. workplaces, one to two pounds of paper product waste is generated on average each day.
Beverage containers, too, are a no-brainer; most workers go through as many as 3 a day.
Recycling Bins, separate for paper and for soda cans and other beverage containers, should be conveniently located. If employees are allowed to have soda at their desk, recycling containers should not only be located in the break room.
Whatever you decide to recycle, you'll need to appoint a coordinator to oversee and organize the program. This person should ideally be someone who is enthusiastic about sustainability and willing to help plan and see the entire recycling initiative through.
Original article on Inc.com
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