How to recycle: implementing a recycling program in your organization
Of more than 2,200 American adults aged 18+ surveyed for the Tork Report: Healthy People, Healthy Planet™, commissioned by SCA and conducted online by Harris Interactive in 2010, 61 percent of respondents indicated a company’s green practices would make them more likely to visit an establishment or buy its product. However, of 1,000 business professionals also surveyed, only 30 percent indicated their business currently has a sustainability program in place.
It’s becoming increasingly evident that consumers are looking to businesses to prioritize sustainability within their organizations, but results from the Tork Report show there still remains a great deal of room for improvement. Oftentimes, the most difficult challenge for businesses looking to move toward a sustainable business model is where to start. The reality is companies don’t need an expert to cue change.
One of the easiest ways for an organization to take a big step toward a lighter environmental footprint is to implement an effective recycling program or improving an existing program. Following are a few suggestions for learning how to recycle, getting a recycling program off the ground and putting your business on track for a greener future.
Establish a “green taskforce.” Identifying individuals interested in driving sustainable efforts, such as a recycling program, can be a great way to raise awareness of their importance in your organization. The taskforce can take a lead in benchmarking the progress of the program, teaching everyone how to recycle and motivating others to take an active role in recycling at work.
Work with your building or facility manager. Before putting time into developing a new recycling plan, investigate if there are already any recycling programs in place. You can work with your building or facility manager to determine existing programs or help initiate recycling as a part of building services.
Determine recyclable materials.
If your building does not offer a recycling service, take the time to perform a waste audit and determine what materials will be recycled in your business. Recycled business items may include:
· Paper
· Magazines and newspapers
· Cardboard
· Aluminum cans
· Plastic bottles
· Toner and ink jet cartridges
· Batteries
· Compact fluorescent lights
· Electronics
Select a recycling company. If you are implementing a program independently, identify a recycling company that fits the needs of your business. You will be able to work with them to determine what time of week works best for pickup service and the types of materials they accept for recycling. If you already have a recycling company, work with them to recycle some of the specialty items identified in the above list, such as compact fluorescent lights or batteries. These may also be recycled at select electronics stores for free or in exchange for buying new equipment.
Provide adequate resources. Once you’ve initiated your plan, ensure there are sufficient recycling bins throughout your organization’s workspace. Large receptacles should be placed in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, near printers and in the mail room.
Educate staff members. As with all internal campaigns, it is very important to educate your employees on how to recycle, the importance of it and why your organization has decided to make this a priority. With the help of the “green taskforce,” schedule in-person meetings to discuss the program offerings, goals and any incentives you may offer for participation.
Maintain your program. For the program to thrive, it’s important to dedicate time to it on an ongoing basis. Benchmarking is critical for tracking successes and identifying areas needing improvement. Your “green taskforce” can take the lead in providing these updates on a regular basis to employees and continue to inspire others to help lighten your organization’s footprint. Additionally, be sure to audit the program with periodic waste bin reviews to see what recyclable items are being sent to the landfill and determine why, as this can help with making improvements to your recycling program.
In support of recycling as a way of life, SCA proudly announced that over the last ten years, 12 billion pounds of recycled paper were used to make Tork® towels, tissue, and napkins in North America. For more information on how to implement a recycling program in your business, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website at www.epa.gov.