Small Business Resources
Recycling Tips for Small Businesses
Step One - Preventing Unnecessary Waste
Businesses purchase supplies and materials that are not always used efficiently - this creates unnecessary waste. By taking simple actions to prevent waste, small businesses can protect resources, decrease pollution, and SAVE MONEY.
Begin by examining the wastes generated by your businesses and its sources.
The ideas below offer some ways to start using business materials more efficiently:
- Buy durable, concentrated, reusable, and/or high quality goods
- Conserve paper by making double sided copies and using two-way envelopes
- Order and ship merchandise with minimal packaging or layers of packaging
- Reuse packing materials
- Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable containers
- Return, reuse, and repair wooden pallets and spools
- Use E-mail or voicemail whenever possible
Step Two - Implementing a Recycling Program
Using supplies efficiently is only one way to save your business money. Recycling programs, for many businesses are also SOURCES OF INCOME.
Listed below are steps to developing a recycling program for your business:
- Estimate the waste disposal cost savings if your business recycled - YOUR RECYCLING HAULER MAY PROVIDE THIS SERVICE!
- Develop a policy that gives employees a clear direction of your business' environmental commitment
- Coordinate with other businesses and/or your property manager to establish a recycling cooperative. This will allow for a higher quantity of recyclables, making your company more attractive to local recycling haulers
-OR-
- If your business generates many recyclable items, contact a recycling hauler (link to hauler page) and have them provide you with a quote and input on how to collect materials.
- PROMOTE YOUR RECYCLING PROGRAM AMONG EMPLOYEES AND OTHER BUSINESSES.