Recycling At Work Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
Let’s face it, wastefulness abounds in most workplaces . . . paper, plastic water bottles, defunct office equipment, toner cartridges, pens, and so on, float around and oftentimes end up in the trash. This kind of waste is of course a growing concern. Setting up a plan for everyone to get involved in recycling at work can help. Here are some easy ways to make that happen.
Assess the Workplace Waste Problem and Possible Solutions
Conduct A Waste Audit . . . Spend some time noting where the most waste is generated in your office or workplace. It has been shown that white paper and food are usually the biggest waste areas for most offices. Discern the source of the waste. Calculate the cost as accurately as possible.
Contact the Local Waste Authority . . . The company who collects your trash or curbside recycling is a place to start. See if they will partner up with your company to collect your office recycling.
Check with local charities to see if there are any needs for old computers, copiers, printers, and other office equipment.
Get the Boss Onboard
Meet With the Boss (That’s of course if it’s not you) . . . Have a meeting with your boss to present your recyling idea and include him or her in your proposed plans. Point out how recycling will impact the company (e.g. save money, reduce consumption, help the community …). Make sure your boss is on board before proceeding. If you proceed without his or her knowledge, you may find your efforts thwarted.
Create A Plan An Involve Co-Workers
Make Recyling At Work Easy . . . Your recycling plan will be more likely to have success if it is easy for your co-workers. Set up recycling stations where clearly labeled bins are located near the areas where you have observed the most waste being generated.
Include Fellow Employees . . . When you launch your recycling plan, make it into an event and invite everyone. Remember, you are not accusing your co-workers of anything; avoid finger-pointing and berating them for wasteful behavior. Simply present the problem as an overall issue that affects everyone.
- Focus on the state of the planet and how it benefits everyone to preserve our environment.
- Present your findings in order to motivate others to reduce and save.
- Inform employees of how, when, and where waste is to be avoided and, when items need to be recycled and collected.
- Set some realistic goals as well.
Keep your everyone informed of the progress of the ”recycling at work” plan electronically (by the way, it saves on paper). Emails, newsletters, and even a website or blog can keep your co-workers and boss up-to-date and included.
