It goes without saying that recycling is incredibly important for the health of both the environment and the economy. With the world facing potential resource shortages in the near future, and constant pollution burdening the planet with non-biodegradable waste, it’s only a matter of time before the problem comes to a climax if substantial change isn’t implemented at every level. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that more than 75% of the solid waste being disposed of could be recycled instead. The numbers are similar in the UK, where only about 17% of household waste is collected for recycling, yet it’s estimated that 80% of the waste is actually recyclable. Small businesses can do their part to up their recycling efforts by heeding the following tips:
1. Make Sure the Whole Team is Involved in the Effort
It’s important to remember that your employees will be the ones in charge of throwing away the waste they produce in the office, so getting them on board with the plan is an essential first step. According to waste management company Countrystyle Recycling, the majority of businesses don’t stress the importance of recycling to their employees. Sometimes a simple infographic posted on the wall isn’t enough of a reminder. Schedule meetings that focus on recycling at least once every quarter to drive the point home on a continual basis.
2. Educate Employees About Recycling Practices
In addition to holding meetings, you should also provide your staff members with educational resources in the form of pamphlets, posters, and web pages. Send out reminder emails at least once a week containing interesting information about recycling and reminding employees to do their part. It’s also important to properly orient new hires so that they don’t accidentally throw away materials that should be recycled.
3. Properly Organise and Label Containers
Many times, people just throw stuff away because it’s the quick and easy thing to do. Simplify the process of recycling a variety of materials by having easily accessible bins that are properly organised and labelled to indicate which materials should be thrown in them. Likewise, make sure the bins are regularly emptied to prevent the possibility of recyclable waste being thrown away out of haste because the bin is overloaded.
4. Give Employees Separate Trash Bins and Conduct Routine Waste Audits
If you have in-house team members who have separate workstations or office spaces, it would be wise to give each their own recycling and trash bins. That way you can conduct weekly waste audits to see who has been following the company’s recycling policy. This will help you educate the employees who are accidentally throwing away recyclable waste and properly deal with those who purposefully have no regard for the recycling policy.
Provide Incentive and Practice Accountability
Finally, after implementing all of the above suggestions, it would be a good idea to throw in the extra measure of providing rewards and incentives to employees who are able to follow the recycling policy flawlessly. Sorting through each employee’s garbage every week might sound extreme, but it’s that type of strict accountability that will show people you’re serious about the commitment to recycle all recyclable materials.
