Things You'll Need:
- Plastic containers Cardboard containers
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Step 1
Determine what items you will recycle, by first identifying what your business uses the most of. For example, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and paper are common things that businesses can recycle.
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Step 2
Call your waste hauler and ask if they pick up recyclables. If they don't, look for independent recyclers or check to see if you have a local recycling center that can make a recommendation for you. Make sure you find out what the haulers will pick up and that it corresponds with what you plan to recycle.
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Step 3
Select containers to hold your recyclable materials. Plastic bins or plastic trash cans are the best options, because they are lightweight and easy to wash out. For paper products you can use cardboard boxes.
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Step 4
Label your recycling containers well. Use big, bold signs and attach them directly onto your recycling containers. You also can list a few instructions on your signs such as "empty bottles" or "crush cans."
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Step 5
Place your labeled containers in a common area of your office such as the break room, lunch room, by the copier or next to the trash cans. If you work in a large office, it may improve your recycling results to place containers in several areas. Don't make it hard for employees to find the recycling containers.
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Step 6
Send out a memo letting staff members know that your recycling program is up and running. Inform them of where they can find the recycling containers and what they can recycle, along with any simple instructions they need to follow.
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Step 7
Keep your recycling area tidy by cleaning your recycling containers and keeping your recyclable materials from piling up. Ask for a volume report from your recycling hauler and report your progress to your employees. Ask employees for their feedback and use their feedback to make improvements.
