How can you create an effective recycling plan for a government facility?

2 Set your goals

The next step is to set your recycling goals based on your waste assessment and your facility's mission and vision. You should consider both quantitative and qualitative goals, such as reducing waste by a certain percentage, increasing recycling rates, saving money, complying with regulations, enhancing your reputation, or engaging your staff and visitors. Your goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You should also assign roles and responsibilities to different people or teams who will be involved in the recycling plan.

3 Choose your methods

The third step is to choose the best methods for collecting, sorting, transporting, and processing your recyclable materials. You should research the available options in your area, such as curbside pickup, drop-off centers, or specialized facilities. You should also compare the costs, benefits, and requirements of each option, such as fees, contracts, equipment, space, or permits. You should select the methods that suit your facility's needs, budget, and goals, and that are compatible with your waste hauler and local recycling markets.

4 Educate and communicate

The fourth step is to educate and communicate with your staff and visitors about the recycling plan and how they can participate. You should provide clear and consistent information about what materials can be recycled, where to put them, and why it matters. You should use different channels and formats, such as signs, labels, flyers, newsletters, emails, or social media. You should also encourage feedback and suggestions from your stakeholders, and address any questions or concerns they may have.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of your recycling plan on a regular basis. You should measure and track your waste generation, recycling rates, costs, savings, and environmental outcomes. You should use tools and methods, such as scales, meters, invoices, reports, or surveys. You should also compare your results with your goals and benchmarks, and identify any gaps or areas for improvement.

6 Adjust and improve

The final step is to adjust and improve your recycling plan based on your monitoring and evaluation results. You should celebrate your achievements and recognize your efforts, but also acknowledge your challenges and learn from your mistakes. You should review and update your goals, methods, and communication strategies as needed, and implement any changes or solutions that can enhance your recycling plan. You should also seek new opportunities and innovations that can help you reduce your waste and increase your recycling even further.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?