Tips for Office Recycling

Worldwide recycling statistics show that Canada is the largest per capita waste producer on the planet! To make it worse, Canadians recycle just 20% of their total waste. To top it off, Canada’s landfills produce approximately 25% of Canada's methane emissions (a powerful greenhouse gas). If you’re looking for ways to help the environment, look no further than recycling. If you’re already a recycler, how can you increase your contribution? Does your office have a recycling program? If so, could it use improvement? The following are some simple tips to rev up the current recycling program at your workplace. 

• Set goals: Do a waste audit to determine how much material that could be recycled is not making its way into the appropriate recycling bins. Set a target. Post your target. Inform all employees of your goal and get everyone on board. 

• Measure and report: Monitor and report on progress toward your recycling goals. Post results, encouraging people to do their best. 

• Create department captains: Choose employees who are invested in helping the planet and appoint them as recycling captains for their department. Encourage them to engage with other employees. Increased stewardship improves results. 

• Use a web-based recycling app: Apps are a great way to deliver education. Choose a tool that instantly tells you what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Edmonton, Beaumont, St Albert, and Leduc provide apps or you can get a general recycle coach app. 

• Collect more materials: When you think of recycling in an office, you think of paper. There are many other items your workplace could be diverting from the landfill. Consider recycling batteries, cardboard, cans, bottles, computers, cell phones and other e-waste.

• Reduce the waste coming in: Focus on your supply stream and what you bring into your facility. Work to bring in only items that are recyclable or compostable. 

• Supply filtered water: Instead of access to bottled water, make filtered water available in your break room fridge. This reduces cans and bottles while providing a healthy water option. 

• Create a paper policy: Draw up a policy that outlines recycling rules/expectations regarding paper. Post it in the copy room and around the office. 

• Provide desktop recycling trays: People are busy! Make it easy for them to recycle paper by placing a recycling tray in the corner of their desk/cubicle.

• Print on both sides: Make a company-wide practice of printing on both sides of the paper. Send out a memo!

• Make printing optional: With digital screens and mobile technology, printing is not always necessary. Encourage employees to edit and proof documents on their computers and print on recycled paper. Memos, company announcements and all internal communications can be sent through email or posted on an online message board. Switch all billing to online. Request that your suppliers and bank send e-statements rather than mail.

• Use recycled and biodegradable products: Make recycled and biodegradable products your first choice (glass, recycled paper, compostable trash bags, recycled pencils, biodegradable packaging and tape).

• Set up a reuse/upcycle station: Designate a cupboard, shelf or closet as a reuse or upcycle station. Encourage workers to drop their old and surplus supplies at this location (old office furniture, phones, computers, staplers, bubble wrap, file folders and other office supplies). Make it a protocol to check this station before ordering a new item. 

• Ditch take-out cups: Take-out cups can’t be recycled. Provide reusable coffee mugs in your break room and/or cafeteria. Encourage their use. Or, have each employee bring a favourite mug to work. Make it a game to bring the most unique coffee vessel!

• Promote litter-free lunches: Give each new employee a reusable lunch bag containing reusable plastic containers. Make it part of your office culture to have lunches without waste. 

• Avoid food packaging: Consider switching from packaged ready-made meals for your employees to a more canteen-style approach, where food can be dished onto reusable plates.

• Add an organic waste bin: Source a green bin that can be used indoors and empty it regularly. 

• Compost your food waste: Why not empty that green bin into your own compost pile. Your commercial cleaner may be willing to help with this program or ask your staff for volunteers. You likely have some committed home composters on staff.

• Consider a company garden: Instead of sending your compost away, use it on your own grounds. Grow decorative plants, trees, flowers and/or food plants. Use the organic waste from your break room, lunchroom and/or cafeteria. 

• Provide incentives: Make recycling a challenge! Offer a range of prizes for the best recycler or recycling team, weekly or monthly. Track progress using a web-based app. 

Get your employees inspired and nothing can hold you back! With a few tweaks, some education and specific goals, you can make a difference. Change one thing at a time. Simplify your recycling steps. Amplify interest and education. You can reshape your office culture and become a recycling team!

Looking for a commercial cleaning company that believes in helping the planet? Interested in non-toxic green cleaning protocols? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial, office cleaning and post-construction services. Contact us today!