| 1. Identify which
material will be recycled. It is best to
start with the easiest, largest volume of material, normally paper and cardboard. The key to a successful recycling program is to
start small and build on your accomplishments.
2. Find a
recycling service provider and work with that vendor to set up your program. A good place to start is by contacting your
current trash hauler to see if they haul recyclables as well. If they do, your program can be simplified by
working with one hauler for both tasks. Keep
in mind that a different hauler may be able to offer a better price. Recycling service providers can be found in the Recycling
Services Directory and Markets Guide for Massachusetts, which can be downloaded or a
hard copy can be requested on-line. Call
several recycling companies for cost estimates and information on the types of service
they provide.
3. Acquire
recycling bins. Haulers may provide
these. If not, WasteCap has a list of
companies that sell bins. In either case
choose bins according to the hauler's collection requirements.
4. Put
recycling containers next to trash bins. Placing the receptacles next to each
other will increase the amount recycled and decrease contamination, which is the existence
of non-recyclable materials in the recycling receptacle.
When designing the program, consider accessibility and ease of use. Also remember to think about how the bins are
going to be emptied, when, and by whom.
5. Label both
trash and recycling bins clearly. People will be less likely to confuse the
trash and recycling bins if they are clearly marked.
Using large fonts and different colors for trash and recycling is helpful,
but avoid lots of distracting graphics. Labels
also serve as regular reminders to recycle. On
or next to the recycling bins list the items that can be placed in the bin.
6. Publicize!
People won’t recycle if they don’t know the option is available. Send a memo or make a brochure for employees to
regularly refer to while at their desk, especially if you use desk-side recycling bins. Tell employees about the new recycling program by
sending an email memo, mentioning it at staff meetings, awarding employees or departments
that recycle the most, or holding an afternoon seminar about the program and the benefits
of recycling.
7. Have someone
serve as the recycling coordinator. If
one person oversees the program, employees will have a consistent resource for answers to
their questions and someone to monitor pickups.
8. Educate the
custodians. Your program won't work if
the cleaning personnel are not on board. Make
sure they understand their role in the program and work with them to find room for
improvement.
9. If you are
part of a small office in an office building, contact the building manager. The building management may work with you to
set up a building wide-program or these services may exist already. The management would be able to save money on
disposal costs by diverting material from the trash – a clear benefit for them, which
an individual office would not achieve.
10. Still have
questions? Contact WasteCap with further
questions or take advantage of the site visit program. |
