Recycling is a major aspect of waste management for a small business, and reducing waste and their carbon footprint are important tenets of the mission of many companies. Stay on top of how to maximize your recycling with the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Provide incentives and education.

If you are implementing a new recycling program at work, plan on taking time to educate employees about what is recyclable and why it’s important. Most waste management companies provide helpful infographics that can be posted near the containers. Incentives for those who do well can help jumpstart a new or flagging recycling program. Consider reusable water bottles or to-go cups as fun, on-point rewards for employees.

Have clean, accessible containers.

Clean, organized, and easy to reach containers will encourage recycling. Ask your waste management company about the types of bins they provide. Some programs include food composting as well as mixed recycling, so make sure each bin is well-labeled and kept free of garbage and food residue. 

Focus on paper recycling and use.

Perform an audit of the types of paper that the business uses and throws away. Determine which types are recyclable, which tasks might be done without paper, and where scrap paper might be reused. Set printers to print ‘double-sided.’ Reducing paper use and waste saves money and the environment.

Don’t:

Assume all plastics are recyclable.

In recent years, the amount and kinds of plastic that are recyclable have changed. Even though the plastic container may have a recycle symbol on it, the local waste management company may not be able to take it. One ‘wrong’ container can disrupt or contaminate an entire recycling stream. 

Leave the system to run itself.

Select an employee to be the supervisor of the recycling system, especially if it is a new one. It takes time for people to implement new information and habits, and a designated supervisor can assist with getting a program off the ground. Find a person who is personally engaged in recycling and who is knowledgeable. Provide an incentive and rotate the job throughout the year. 

Forget to put the bins out.

Most trash collection happens early in the morning, before anyone may be at work. Missed pick-up can lead to over-full containers that create a mess and discourage workers from recycling. Make sure there is a point person who will put containers out street side the night before pick-up. 

Recycling is an important part of waste management for businesses. Freedom From Waste serves Farmington, MO, with curbside garbage and recycling pick-up. Their reuse initiative, the Hub, serves as a recycling center for clothes, shoes, and other items that may still be used, keeping thousands of pounds of unnecessary trash out of the landfill. Visit their website to learn more or call (573) 747-0550 to begin service.