Recycling is the process of taking manufactured products that have reached the end of their useful life and reclaiming the valuable metals, plastics, paper, and other materials they contain for reuse. It helps minimize waste, conserves resources, and saves energy that would otherwise be used in mining or manufacturing. To help your office adopt more green policies, you can start a recycling program with minimal effort or expense. Below are some tips to help you succeed.

How to Start a Successful Office Recycling Program

1. Ask for Team Volunteers

You'll need a small team of dedicated environmentalists to assume responsibility for the initiative. Look for volunteers that are enthusiastic about the effort and able to instill that enthusiasm in others.

2. Perform a Waste Audit

Sort through the trash to determine how much of the waste could be sent to a recycling center instead. You'll need gloves, a scale, and a way to record the waste. Measure the total waste weight and the weight of potential recyclables, and then calculate the percentage that could have been recycled. This is your baseline. When you repeat the audit in a few months, it will let you see how successful your efforts have been. Don’t forget to look in supply closets for old computers, printers, ink, toner, and phones, as these items can also be recycled. 

3. Find a Hauler

For a small office, have a volunteer collect the recyclables once a week and deliver them to the recycling center. For larger offices, you'll need to contact a trash hauler — perhaps your existing waste management company — to collect and haul the recyclables to a center. Some centers offer pick-up services to make the process even more convenient. 

4. Publicize Your Efforts

Send an office-wide email, post notices, and clearly label the recycling bins where workers should discard materials. Make separate containers for plastic, paper, and electronic waste. For convenience, provide employees with a personal-sized recycling bin for their office or cubicle and ask them to deliver recyclables to the large, central bins when their own bin is full.

When it’s time to recycle your old electronics, contact Evage, LLP, a recycling center in Harrison, AR. The family-owned and -operated company has been serving businesses throughout Boone County since 2015. They specialize in battery, appliance, and electronics recycling, but charge a nominal fee to take unsorted batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and items containing refrigerant — including freezers, fridges, and window AC units. They even offer pickup services to make your company’s recycling program more convenient. Visit them on Facebook to view directions and business hours or call (870) 416-2294 to find out more about the products they accept.