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If you’re not recycling yet it’s time to get started! Most businesses have an office recycling program in place, but it’s up to the employees to properly dispose of materials themselves. If the employees aren’t on board or aware of how to recycle properly, the program will inevitably fail. Here are 5 ways to encourage recycling in the workplace:
1. Spread the Word
In monthly meetings, or even just at lunch, start communicating the importance recycling has on the environment. Not only does recycling reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, but it also conserves natural resources, cuts back on carbon emissions and saves energy. Once your co-workers have it top of mind, they will pay more attention next time they are disposing of their waste.
2. Post “How-To” Recycling Posters Around the Office
Add informative recycling materials in common areas with high traffic, as well as behind the actual recycling bins. That way, if someone is unsure where to dispose of their waste they can refer to the poster.
3. Use Clear and Effective Labels
When it comes down to it, people have two seconds to sort their waste. If it’s unclear as to which stream is which, they will just throw their garbage in the closest stream and increase the risk of contamination.
Keep your recycling labels simple! This can be done by placing clear and detailed images on stream posters to accompany the text. Be sure to keep your number of images to a minimum, you don’t want to over complicate and overwhelm people. Be sure to keep labels consistent throughout your facility, as well as make sure your recycling labels are visible at eye-level. Now that the idea of recycling has been communicated and recycling has been collected, it’s time to work on the company culture.
4. Create Incentives
A little friendly competition doesn’t hurt anybody! Offer a reward to the department who is consistently recycling and disposing of their waste properly. Some ideas for prizes are:
- Pizza lunch
- Gift cards
- Movie tickets
5. Set an Office Goal & Track Progress
Keep track of progress and present it to the staff in a visually appealing manner. That way they can see how much has been recycled and where they can go from there. Happy recycling!
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Looking to improve your business’ recycling program? Here’s how:
- 5 Steps On How To Get A Recycling Grant
- 14 Ways You Can Reduce Office Waste
- How to Form an Office Green Team: 3 Easy Steps
Starting a recycling program for your business? Check out our eBook.
CleanRiver Recycling provides a variety of innovative, flexible and customizable recycling solutions. To determine the right solution to meet your needs, use the CleanRiver product selector.
If you have additional questions that weren’t answered in this blog post please call us at 1-866-479-4038 or email solutions@cleanriver.com.
