Recycling at Work 101
Photo by Peter Kaminski
Businesses, on the other hand, have not taken to recycling like individual consumers have. Manufacturing operations often recycle scraps in order to save money, but they often fail to recycle things that they themselves can’t reuse. And other businesses frequently do not recycle anything at all.
Businesses may be reluctant to start recycling programs because they do not want to use company resources to administer them. It’s often up to employees to suggest recycling, and they may even have to volunteer to oversee it. If you’re interested in starting a recycling program at your workplace, here are some tips to help make it a reality:
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Schedule a meeting with your boss
If you just mention recycling in passing, there’s a good chance you’ll be ignored. But if you set up a meeting and make a convincing presentation, your boss is more likely to take you seriously. If you can get some co-workers to help you out, that’s even better.
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Point out the benefits for the company
Recycling can save your company money, and it can enhance its image as a responsible corporate citizen. These are the types of arguments that those in charge are most likely to listen to.
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Prepare a plan for recycling
Research recycling service providers, and come up with some ideas about how to operate the program. Your boss will have the final say, but if you do some of the legwork for him, he is more likely to give his approval.
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Volunteer to help get things rolling
If you’re willing to aid in setting up a recycling program, that’s one less thing your boss has to deal with.
Once you’ve gotten approval, you’ll need to spread awareness and make sure that as much waste as possible is recycled. Here are some suggestions that will help.
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Make sure employees understand what can and cannot be recycled
Have a meeting to discuss this and answer any questions if possible. If not, send out an email with guidelines and make yourself available to those with questions.
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Post recycling rules in a conspicuous place
It’s easy to forget what is and isn’t recyclable. Making that information readily available will increase participation rates.
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Place recycling containers in convenient places, and mark them clearly
Those who can recycle without giving it much thought are more likely to do so than those who have to seek out containers.
Recycling at work is good for the environment and your company. It may, however, take some convincing to get the approval of the higher-ups. But if you make a solid case and do everything you can to help get a recycling program going, it will be hard for them to say no.
