Programs & Education > How to Implement an Office Recycling Program

Recycling Program Resources

• Complete Working Office Recycling Model
• Implementation Timeline
• Visual Waste Audit Form Template
• Communications Plan
• Green Team Roles and Other Suggested Roles
• Waste Management Survey
• Paper Game for kids - Are You Wasting Away? (MSWord Format)
• Paper Game for adults - The Game of...Wasted! (Adobe Acrobat Format)
• Sample Launch Day Handouts
• Sample Abstract/Grant Proposal

How to Implement an Office Recycling Program

Before proceeding with plans to implement program, it is important to:

• Ensure there is available money to cover equipment, communications, etc.
• Decide in which financial year purchase of equipment will take place
• Discuss how savings from the program can be used for future expansion of the program
• Seek approval from senior management
• Develop, write, and distribute greening policy once approval is received
• Get buy-in from cleaners/janitorial staff
• Get approval to create a short-term Building Program Implementation Team - consisting of Waste Reduction/Recycling Officer, Health & Safety Rep., Union Rep., Communications Branch Rep., etc.

• Conduct the initial waste audit (establish baseline)
• Agree on a launch date for the program
• Set waste diversion targets for the program

• Look for a recycling contractor who will accept the full range of materials
• Discuss possible changes to existing cleaning, garbage removal and disposal contracts

• Determine the type and design of containers
• Determine the number of containers to be ordered
• Determine where containers will be placed
• Select the following:
  • central recycling container type - square, round plastic or steel, determined by space restrictions
  • deskside paper recycling bin
  • desktop garbage Mini Bin
  • liners and dispensers for Mini Bins
  • color - ensuring the deskside paper recycling bin and central paper recycling bin are same color, the same follows for the desktop garbage Mini Bin/central garbage bin
  • appropriate bags for lining central containers - reusable bags are preferred, ie. burlap

Developing the Communications Package

• Set up internal Green Teams to help get the word out on the program
• Create interest in the program by using local newsletters, etc. to inform staff about the arrival of the program
• Prepare special communications pieces for cleaners/janitors to inform them about the program

You've done what with my waste paper basket?

Staff need to be informed about a program that is going to make changes in their work habits. They need to understand why you're doing the program, what difference it will make to them personally and globally, and how it's going to work. Knowledge is power and when staff know what's going on, they will feel a part of it and will contribute to its success.

That's a silly name for a recycling program!

It is important to give your recycling program a name that makes sense in the context of your company activities. The name and logo have to be easily recognized.

Implementation

• Ensure equipment is in place and properly labeled
• Ensure the Internal Green Team is prepared
• Tie in launch events and promotions

Follow up After Launch

• Monitor progress of the program
• Give feedback to senior management and staff
• Do the after-program waste audit
• Have regular meetings with the Internal Green Team
• Do a waste audit three months after the program starts to ensure that the program is still on track

Please keep in mind that every location is unique in the way of handling recyclables and waste. Some locations are at ground zero while others have some form of office recycling already in place. The initial audit will determine current rates and successes while formulating a plan to maximize the recyclable materials leaving the facility.