From packaging materials to discarded merchandise, retail businesses can generate a significant amount of waste. If you want to make your business more eco-friendly for the planet and your customers, recycling is an excellent first step. Here are some fundamental do’s and don’ts of retail recycling to get started with. 

Do:

Place bins in the store.

Put recycling bins in your store, so customers and employees have an easy way to dispose of goods properly. It is doubtful people will take their recyclable materials out of the store to dispose of them at home. Giving them a place to do so on-site makes going green convenient. It also reduces the waste accumulation in your trash bins, which can lead to a cleaner space. Label the containers clearly so people know what can be placed there.

Teach employees recycling techniques.

Teach your employees what materials can and can’t be recycled. You may want to hold a meeting at the beginning of your recycling initiative and post an infographic or list near the recycling bins. Generally, items such as clean paper products, aluminum, tin cans, jars, and plastic and glass bottles can be recycled. Electronics and appliances require special handling. 

Don’t:

Donate dirty materials.

When you can’t sell particular merchandise, whether it’s due to damage, defect, or surplus stock, you’ll need to get rid of it. If there’s nothing wrong with it or it’s only slightly damaged, you can donate it to a charitable organization. For instance, clothes that you can’t clear from the clearance rack, or a toy that has been scratched, can be donated. However, if materials are dirty or severely damaged, they should be thrown out. Items such as paper products or scrap metal can be recycled as long as it’s clean.

Use paper marketing materials. 

Paper marketing materials are slowly becoming a product of the past and for good reason. Leaflets, fliers, and brochures are typically read and then tossed aside immediately or left on a desk to collect dust. Instead of handing out paper materials, go green with electronic marketing. This alternative cuts down on your carbon footprint as well as your costs. Using social media and other web-based tools can also be more productive. 

If you own a business in the Cincinnati, OH, area, turn to Byer Steel for recycling services. This customer-oriented scrap metal recycling center provides a range of retail and industrial recycling and steel manufacturing services for clients throughout the community. Call (513) 948-0300 to speak with a helpful team member or visit the website to learn more about how they can help your business.