If you are trying to come up with a commercial recycling program for your company, there are lots of things to keep in mind. Companies produce lots of waste and recycling is a great way to keep it away from landfills. Companies with effective commercial recycling programs have a low carbon footprint. Here are a few tips to help you determine the needs of your program.
- The Size and Function of Your Office
Consider the types of spaces you have in your company when trying to come up with recycling solutions. If, for example, you have a working area and a separate one for dining, you will need recycling solutions for both areas. Offices with different functions have different recycling needs. A call center, for example, may not generate a lot of waste. A break room, on the other hand, has lots of waste and may have higher recycling needs.
- The Type or Volume of Material Being Collected
Think about the type of waste that your company produces and how much is being produced. Note that different recycling rules apply to different materials. Does your company produce toxic or organic waste? You may need to work with a company like Oates Environmental to dispose of it. If, however, you produce a lot of recyclable material like bottles and paper, you need a large recycling bin.
Think of the waste disposal capabilities of your office and adjust your recycling program to suit them. Note that the needs of your program can change over time.
- Your Waste Hauler’s Capabilities
Can your waste hauler accept the streams you will be collecting? Find out if they charge for recycling and whether you can get a rebate. If they do not accept a recycling stream that you want to implement, you may need to invest in other services for complete waste removal.
- The Number of Visitors and Employees
Generally, you should have at least one recycling bin for 75 people. While this is a great starting point, you may need more bins depending on the density of people I an area. Low and high density spaces have different needs. If, for example, you have an office with lots of cubicles, you may need a few large bins. Ensure your recycling bins are accessible from all the cubicles. If, however, employees are spread across the facility, you may need many small-sized bins.
If your company needs outdoor recycling bins, place them strategically depending on traffic floor. Outdoor eating spaces and entranceways may require bigger bins.
- Your Current Recycling Habits
Pay attention to the way your office currently collects, handles, and stores recycled items and plan your recycling program appropriately. Some companies are better at handling recycled waste than others. In some of them, the bins are emptied regularly, but others take some time. If, for example, your recycled waste is emptied often, you may not need many bins.
Recycling is very beneficial and all companies should aim to adopt it. Creating an effective recycling program may be a great way to ensure that your company keeps up the practice.
