Throwing waste in the trash means it ends up in landfills, where it contributes to air, water and ground pollution. If you want your office to join the green movement, it’s time to start encouraging employees to recycle rather than blindly throw things into the trashcan. Here are several ways that you can introduce a recycling program to your office.
Start with Paper Recycling
Paper is one of the biggest waste products that businesses produce on a daily basis. When you’re starting to recycle in the office, focus on paper first. Let employees know that they should be recycling paper and not to put it in regular wastebaskets. You can also help by cutting down on the amount of paper that your office uses. You can do this by printing on both sides of paper instead of just one side and encourage employees to communicate through email, take notes using apps or software programs and hold slideshow presentations instead of printing several pages of information for meetings.
Make Recycling Bins Available
Employees are more likely to participate in a recycling program at work when they know where recyclable materials are supposed to go. They should also be able to access these bins easily. Place recycling bins that are clearly labeled in the kitchen for cans and other recyclable products. You should also put labeled recycling wastebaskets near printers and copiers. This makes it simple for employees to recycle paper instead of throwing it in the trash.
Hold a Recycling Awareness Event
Set aside one day for raising awareness of the importance of recycling in the office. You can educate employees on how important it is to recycle through engaging presentations. During these presentations, you should emphasize how recycling has a positive impact on the environment and can help the company save money overall. For example, using less paper results in lower supply expenses.
Add Other Recyclables Gradually
When employees are used to recycling paper products, cans, and other kitchen products, you can start having them recycle other materials. These include toner from printers and copiers, electronic equipment, furniture and light bulbs. Educate employees on the right way to recycle these products. For some, such as electronic equipment, you might need to assign someone to gather these on a regular basis and handle making sure they get to the right place for recycling.
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