The Green Office: Developing An Effective Office Recycling Program

Recycling programs have been steadily expanding over the past few years throughout municipalities and towns as well as in industry and business

. However, there is still a long way to go before everyone gets on board. For example, researchers estimate that 60% of the garbage that ends up in landfills could have been recycled instead. In fact, a recent survey showed that almost 9 out of 10 people would participate in active programs more if it were easier to do so.

In the office, there are two ways to improve those numbers. In order to encourage more participation in the office program, the right recycling containers make the entire process easier to understand and to get right. Still, some people don't participate for a number of reasons, so it is important to educate fellow employees on the benefits that we enjoy from these programs. Let's take a look at how the right containers and employee education will empower the office program.

Making It Easy To Participate

Understanding how to recycle is easy in the long run, but many people don't get it at first. There are a number of questions, such as what type of material can go in which bin or what type of plastics can be recycled. Having the right kinds of containers can answer these questions and make participation convenient.

Multi-purpose recycling containers are ideal for sorting recyclables. There are 90-gallon units available with several compartments that are explicitly marked to make sorting garbage easy. The larger capacity allows them to be placed in a cafeteria or other large common area as a 1-step solution. For each office, there are smaller, convenient dual compartment recycling containers and clip-on riders to turn any wastebasket into a dual-purpose bin.

The placement of recycling containers also makes participating in the office program easier until it becomes second nature. Always place them where garbage is created. Placing bins for recycling paper near every copier, fax, and printer is the best way to capture paper garbage. Bins for recycling plastic and cans work well in conference rooms and break rooms. Bins for recycling cardboard are best located in the shipping and receiving department.

Some companies also offer customized bins for recycling. Fiberglass bins can have a company logo or slogan printed directly on them to really foster an inclusive environment. The personalized touch on bins for recycling creates a positive impact on employees.

Education

These office programs offer immense benefits to the environment and our quality of life. A simple daily email or posting on a message board can contain some small fact about why these programs are so important and their overall benefits. Use facts that focus on how much money, energy, and natural resources are saved along with new jobs that are created to strengthen the economy. The EPA provides great numbers, like how 1 ton of recycled paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is enough energy to power the average American home for five months.

With the right bins and a focus on education, every business program can enjoy a boost in participation and effectiveness.

by: Christine Harrell

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