Recycling

Recycling
After reducing the amount of paper, plastic, metal, etc. used in your business, and reusing what you can, be sure to recycle the many items in your business’ waste that can be saved from the landfill.

There are many resources available to help you set up a successful recycling program for your business. Recycling is good for the environment and can reduce your business’ waste disposal costs.

Get Started

  • Decide what materials to recycle—Recycle paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, pallets, pallet wrap, wood debris, and toner and inkjet cartridges, and other materials. Consider composting landscape waste and other organic material.
  • Find a recycling vendor—Check with your local waste hauler or recycling center – or use the local resources listed below – to find out what kind of materials are accepted in your area and by what vendors.
  • Choose recycling bins—Trash cans or washable plastic bins are the best containers to store your recycling. Be sure to rinse out any recyclables that contained food and wash your bins when needed.
  • Engage and educate your employees—Let your employees know about your new recycling program and participate in its success. Take suggestions of how to improve the program, and engage your employees in implementing their suggestions.
  • Label your recycling bins—Download and print appropriate recycling signs, and any special instructions, such as: remove caps, stomp on containers, break down cardboard boxes, bundle newspapers, etc.
  • Maintain and monitor your recycling program—Keep your recycling bins clean and dry and make sure materials don’t pile up. Assign employees responsibility for maintaining the areas, and engage them in measuring the program’s success.
  • Keep it fun and rewarding—Reward participating employees and find ways to challenge the office to increase the amount of materials they collect.

Local Resources and Organizations
The definitive resource for recycling in Troy and surrounding communities can be found at the Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recycling Authority (SOCRRA) website.  Find easy to implement solutions.

Additional guidance from Oakland County

 Substantial State of Michigan recycling references, resources and programs

Other Resources and Organizations
Portland Recycle at Work Program
A comprehensive resource for business recycling, including a “how to begin” guide, sample policies and practices, and printable recycling posters

National Recycling Coalition
National Recycling Coalition’s Recycling 101, includes a recycling calculator to measure the impact of your recycling efforts.

Earth911.com for Business – Guide to setting up a recycling program at work
A simple, step-by-step approach to setting up an effective recycling program for your business.

US Conference of Mayors – Recycling
The US Conference of Mayors promotes business recycling through National Clean your Files Day and supporting toner cartridge recycling

Office Paper Recycling – GreenBiz Essential
A valuable overview article from GreenBiz on recycling paper in the office.

Taking the Wrinkles out of Paper Recycling
An excellent article from GreenBiz on how to increase the effectiveness of your office paper recycling program.

Downloadable recycling signs

EPA