Most of us recycle food waste in one way or another, but recycling in the office is another story. Many small companies are not prepared for recycling. It takes time and effort to organize a recycling program, but there are numerous benefits. Recycling helps companies save money by reducing trash collection service, it reduces the carbon footprint of organizations, and it helps improve employee morale.
Recycle at Home and in Your Office
- Getting Buy-In to the Administration
The first step is to assign a “recycling coordinator” who is committed and interested in spearheading the recycling program in your office. The recycling coordinator has to enlist the support of the administration before proceeding with the program. Management buy-in is the key to the success of the program. Once management is dismissed in the program, the coordinator will recruit volunteers to form a “Green Team”. Send a note to the company’s announcement of the program. Inspire employees to participate through the provision of prizes for those who embrace the new program to employees who start the process. Be creative about ways you can make it fun for the staff!
- Determine the items to be recycled.
Take a tour of the facilities and see what recyclables are being thrown away. The most common are paper, cardboard, plastic, cans and bottles. Note that the packing material, tonics, electronics and office equipment are potentially recyclable. The first objectives of the recycling program it to include greater volumes of waste that are being thrown away. If you work in an office, usually the most amount of waste paper will start there. Continue to build on the successes you have when you recycle at home to your office.