Some people find it more natural to recycle at home, then it is to recycle at work. Maybe it is because we put our own systems in place at home for recycling at home. At work, we may not have as much control over recycling to make it convenient to do. Let’s change that! Here are eight easy ways that you can reduce, reuse, and recycle more at work.
Make it Happen – Eight Ways to Recycle at Work:
- Strategically Place Recycling Bins where Needed: To make it easy for people in your workplace to recycle, strategically place recycling bins where they are needed most. Obvious places are near printers and copiers for paper, and in the break room for paper, plastics, aluminum, and so on. One way to approach it, is to have a recycling receptacle next to each trash can.
- Opt for Reusable Containers for Food and Drink: When bringing lunch to work, pack it with reusable containers and silverware, instead plastic baggies or throw-away silverware. The same goes for drinks – get a reusable coffee cup that you can fill up again and again, rather then getting a styrofoam cup at the coffee shop. Even though plastic water bottles are recyclable, purchase a reusable water bottle that you can fill up as needed.
- Rethink Printing on Paper: Before hitting print, make sure it is really necessary to have a hard copy. Could the document be emailed or sent electronically instead? If you have to print, use recycled paper and print on both sides.
- Recycle Ink Cartridges: Not only should ink cartridges and toner ink be recycled, but you may also want to consider buying the re-manufactured ink and toner cartridges. These can be a cost savings and also help to reduce landfill waste.
- Recycle your e-waste: In today’s technology-driven world, most of us are purchasing new electronic devices each year. Avoid e-waste by recycling your old technology through a retailer or online e-waste recycler. Some technology manufacturer’s will also take back and recycle their old product.
- Find your Company’s Niche Recycling Needs: Depending on what type of business your company is, there may be unique opportunities to recycle or reuse certain materials. For instance, a metal stamping plant may have a lot of aluminum scrap metal that can be baled and recycled. A retail business business would probably have more cardboard boxes and packaging to be flattened, baled and recycled. Find out if there are areas of waste in your company that could be turned into an opportunity for savings.
- Always Reuse or Donate before Disposing: If your workplace is upgrading, remodeling, or relocating, there may be furniture, computers, desks or other furnishings that are dated, old, or worn, but are still usable. With a bit more effort, it is possible to find a new home for them to be re-used, up-cycled, or re-purposed so that their use is extended and they are kept out of the landfill. Check with local non-profit organizations, schools, or other places in need first.
- Purchase Wisely: If you make purchasing decisions for your company, consider the environment before hitting buy. Don’t buy more than what is needed. Consider the environmental reputation from the company you are buying from. If you are buying online, will there be excessive packaging? Is there a reusable option (i.e. batteries)? Can you buy a product made from recycled materials (i.e. paper)?
Hopefully some of these ideas will inspire you and your team to recycle at work, and make your workplace a more earth-friendly and sustainable business. Every small action counts towards making a big difference for the earth.
Harmony Enterprises Inc. makes balers, compactors, and packers to help businesses, organizations, and schools around the world minimize their waste, recycle more, and make the world a cleaner, more efficient place. If we can help your organization find a recycling or waste management solution, please contact us at (507) 886-6666 or fill out this simple form, and we will be in touch!
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