Some people love recycling, while others feel like it’s too much work. This can make it challenging to create an effective company-wide recycling initiative. However, if you’re committed to the cause of building a more sustainable business and want to get most of your co-workers on board, your company can make a difference. Here’s how you can get started.

Focus on Waste Reduction

Start by looking at ways you can reduce the amount of waste in the office. Some co-workers won’t bring their own reusable water bottles to work, but they’ll gladly take and use a free one from the company. Those same co-workers will keep their home mugs at home but will gladly use one from the cabinet in the office. These are just a couple ways you can reduce the amount that needs to be thrown away or recycled, which ultimately makes enforcing recycling easier while creating a more sustainable office environment. 

Make a Plan

Start by determining what can actually be recycled and which materials you want to encourage your co-workers to recycle. You may be surprised by some items that can and cannot be recycled in your area. Next, decide how you will gather the materials. It may be as simple as putting labeled recycling bins near the trash cans, or it could involve a little more legwork on your end. Assess the needs of your company or facility, and design a plan that makes sense for you. 

Educate Your Team

Once you’ve designed the perfect recycling plan for your company, the next step is to educate your team. Let them know about ways they can reduce the amount of waste they produce during the work day. Inform them of what items can and cannot be recycled. Show them where they can take items for recycling, even if they’re in an area you think is obvious. The more you can keep them in the loop, the more motivated they’ll be to participate in the program. 

Reevaluate as Needed

Depending on the nature of your business, participation in recycling programs and the needs of the programs might change. Every once in a while, assess how the initiative is going and if any adjustments need to be made. Look into ways you can produce even less waste as a company, whether it means investing in more reusable products or having fewer single-use products available. 

By building a more sustainable business, you help make the planet a better place while showing coworkers and customers alike that you care. Sustainability can start with using more environmentally preferred products for packaging and cleaning. We can help with that. Give Pollock Orora a call at 972-263-2126 or reach out online.