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Improve/Implement Office Paper Waste Reduction and Recycling. |
| Most businesses generate significant amounts of paper waste each day (See the list below). A significant portion of the paper waste is recyclable material of high enough quality that can be resold to a local recycler. Paper use can be reduced through the implementation of some simple source reduction practices. Many companies are saving thousands of dollars by reducing and recycling office paper, which has a top price in the recycling market. A well organized waste reduction and recycling program is essential in reducing the amount of solid waste generated by an organization. Recommendations: Source Reduction Implement photocopying on both sides of the paper with photocopy machines that have this capability. Papers with copies on just one side could be used in other ways (e.g. note pads) before they are discarded/recycled. Maximize the usage of electronic mail. Revise and keep documents on computer disks instead of printing multiple hard copies. Develop other forms of source reduction by conducting employee informal surveys or establish a suggestion program. Recycling Improve the employees recycling concience. This could include: Holding contests that reward the teams that recollect the most paper, putting up signs reminding personnel to recycle, etc. Include a discussion about the waste reduction and recycling programs in the orientation of new employees and during other appropriate gatherings/meetings. This will increase the participation of the new employees in the programs. The repetitive reminders that are given to employees during trainings that take place during the year also help to maintain focus on the goals and procedures of the program. Make recycling convenient. Provide bins in all areas where the materials are genarated. The bins can easily be obtained from many providers or can be made by using empty barrels, boxes, etc. The bins should be colourfull and easy to use (i.e., without heavy lids or the need of tools to open them) and clearly marked to indicate the kind of materials that should be placed in each bin. Schedule regular collections. The recyclable materials should be collected and transfered before the collection bins are full. By doing this, there will always be sufficient space for the correct segregation and storing of materials. Estabish contracts with local recycling companies to collect and transport the recyclable material. In some cases it could be more productive for the company to transport their own materials to a recycler than to pay for it. Periodically review the market values to make sure you are obtaininig the best price for your recyclables and minimizing the costs of others. The initial investment for the purchase of bins for the collection of recyclables, the development of graphics for the communication of programs, the personnel trainning, etc. could be expensive. Many companies use a phase approach, that allows the implementation of the prioritized improvements first without incurring all the great capital expenses at the same time. Information about providers:* Fiber Recyclers
Recyclable Paper
(high grade, mixed, newspaper,
magazines,
cardboard)
Industrial Dibrán ( high grade,
mixed, newspaper, cardboard) * see Border Recyclers Directory for other potential vendors. |
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