Recycling has countless environmental benefits. From repurposing used materials to reducing the amount of waste accumulated in landfills, the advantages are far-reaching. Nonetheless, it’s not an entirely foolproof system. To improve the impact of their recycling efforts, many commercial facilities use toters, or color-coded disposal containers, to separate their recycled goods.

As Hawaii’s premier disposal company, Honolulu Disposal Service encourages local businesses to follow suit. Below, they share some insights about this unique approach to reducing waste.

A Guide to Using Commercial Recycling Toters

How Does It Work?

If you own or manage a commercial property, you might have designated receptacles for trash and recyclables on-site. Many forward-thinking companies take the separation process a step further by setting up designated receptacles for different types of recyclable materials.

In an office setting, for instance, you might have separate containers for paper, glass bottles, plastic, and aluminum. Staff members place their recyclables in the proper container at the time of disposal. Then, you put your separate bins out for your disposal company in the same way you would with your regular recycling and trash.

What’s the Purpose of Separating Recyclables?

Sifting through recycled materials is time-consuming, so some areas enforce regulations for proper separation of materials. China’s “Green Fence” policy, for instance, requires companies to avoid commingling or otherwise contaminating recycled materials. Noncompliance can result in fines, which creates rising operational costs and impacts an organization’s bottom line.

In the United States, initiatives such as the LEED project (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) aim to get commercial buildings on board with sustainability. There are various types of LEED certifications, including those in place to help commercial organizations reduce their environmental impact with improved operations and maintenance tactics. One such way is using toters to separate recyclables.

Separating different types of recycled materials doesn’t take long for the user, and it’s a proactive step which can be carried out by all of your employees. For companies such as Honolulu Disposal Service, however, the sorting process can be tremendously time- and labor-intensive. If every company were to use designated bins for different types of materials, it could save a significant amount of time and effort that could be used instead on more strategic eco-friendly initiatives.

If you’re a business owner or manage a commercial property, Honolulu Disposal Service invites you to join in their efforts to improve eco-friendly initiatives throughout Oahu. To learn more about using recycling toters for your business, speak with one of their knowledgeable associates by calling (808) 845-7581. You can also find more information about the facility’s recycling options on their website.