Recycling is not only good for the environment, but also for your company's reputation and bottom line. However, many businesses face challenges in recycling effectively, such as lack of space, resources, or awareness. If your company is struggling to recycle effectively, here are some tips to help you improve your recycling practices and performance.
The first step to recycle effectively is to understand what kind of waste your company generates and how much of it can be recycled. You can conduct a waste audit by collecting and sorting your waste for a period of time, such as a week or a month. This will help you identify the types and quantities of recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, metal, or organic waste. You can also use this information to set recycling goals and measure your progress.
Consulting with waste haulers at this point is also essential to determine what materials are actually able to be recycled at sorting plants and waste treatment facilities. Ensure that this information is reflected in how materials are collected and how recycling goals are structured.
Most every disposable plastic packaging or disposable plastic component is available as a compostable alternative. I am happy to help you locate a source if Elevate Packaging is unable to help. All this compostable material can effectively be composted through the Compost Stewardship Institute's collection and take-back program with their entire composter network.
The second step to recycle effectively is to choose the right bins for your waste. You need to have separate bins for different materials, such as paper, plastic, metal, or organic waste. You also need to label them clearly and place them in convenient and visible locations, such as near desks, printers, or kitchens. You can also use color-coded bins or signs to make it easier for your staff and customers to sort their waste correctly.
Contamination is the #1 issue in getting recycling and composting systems to work. Compostable materials are now able to be collected as a value-added resource and often can bring a new stream of revenue or compensation for brands through effective compost programs like Compost Stewardship Institute.
It is essential to always have recycling and trash bins located together to enhance convenience and reduce contamination of recycling streams. Visuals are better than descriptions in detailing the types of materials that are acceptable in each stream.
The third step to recycle effectively is to educate your staff about the benefits and methods of recycling. You can provide training sessions, workshops, or online courses to teach your staff how to recycle properly and why it matters. You can also create posters, flyers, or newsletters to remind them of the recycling rules and goals. You can also encourage your staff to share their ideas and feedback on how to improve your recycling practices.
The fourth step to recycle effectively is to reduce and reuse your waste as much as possible. You can reduce your waste by buying less, choosing reusable or biodegradable packaging, or avoiding single-use items, such as cups, plates, or cutlery. You can also reuse your waste by donating, selling, or exchanging items that are still in good condition, such as furniture, equipment, or clothing. You can also repurpose your waste by transforming it into new products, such as art, crafts, or compost.
Consult the waste hierarchy when making procurement decisions and see if it is possible to reduce or reuse before buying single use products. If choosing between single use options, be aware of the actual end of life date of materials in your justification. Compostable products are not necessarily preferable if there are not systems to compost them and different types of plastics may have varying chances of actually being recycled. Recycling is local, so it is essential to understand your local waste management system and what it can process effectively.
Initiate a Circular System! Facilitate the complete composting of all your compostable materials. The Compost Stewardship Institute offers a straightforward processing system that collects pre-sorted compostable materials, ensuring they reach composting facilities to be transformed into nutritious compost for soil enrichment!
The fifth step to recycle effectively is to partner with experts who can help you with your recycling needs. You can hire a professional recycling service that can collect, sort, and process your waste according to the best practices and standards. You can also consult with a sustainability consultant who can advise you on how to optimize your recycling strategy and performance. You can also collaborate with other businesses or organizations that share your recycling goals and values.
Recycling systems for plastics only achieve 5% success rates. A better option is to use compostable materials and get them all composted. This is possible through effective and efficient composting programs like Compost Stewardship Institute's take-back program. This eliminates landfilling and avoids the health and environmental issues caused by plastics and chemicals related to plastics. Partnering with CSI will enable collection, sorting, and processing that advance your organization to a circular system and improves your sustainability goals.
The sixth step to recycle effectively is to celebrate your achievements and reward your staff for their efforts. You can track and report your recycling results and impact, such as the amount of waste diverted from landfills, the energy and resources saved, or the emissions reduced. You can also share your success stories and best practices with your customers, partners, or the public. You can also recognize and appreciate your staff who have contributed to your recycling goals and initiatives.
Effective recycling in a company starts with understanding local recycling capabilities and tailoring your practices accordingly. For instance, a business I know partnered with a local recycling facility to understand the types of plastics that were actually recyclable in their area. They then adjusted their procurement to only purchase these types of plastics. This not only streamlined their recycling process but also educated their staff on the importance of recycling correctly. It's a practical example of how aligning with local facilities can make a significant difference in recycling effectiveness.