Tips To Encourage Recycling At Work

Tips To Encourage Recycling At Your Workplace

• Educate. Gather your employees and coworkers and take a few minutes to show them the importance of recycling. The more they are aware of the importance, the more they will try to participate in recycling at the workplace. Show them the pictures and numbers and data that show how the waste they create affects the environment. Show them that recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees or that one aluminum can power a computer for 3 hours. Explain what can and cannot be recycled so there is no confusion. Get them involved in ideas that can make a difference.
• Put Up Information Sheets Near Receptacles. Consider placing information regarding recycling statistics near the waste bins. These can include information on global statistics or facts specifically about the office’s impact on recycling efforts. Show them the impact of their efforts in the office each week. Count the garbage bags and recycling before you begin your initiative as opposed to after their efforts.
• Make It Easy. One of the biggest obstacles to any recycling problem is encouraging participation, even when they understand the importance of recycling. This may be especially true with older workers who may not see that their individual contribution makes much of a difference and those that simply don't want to change their routine. The best way to solve this is to provide easy to locate and utilize recycling bins and containers. Placing them strategically in break areas, meeting areas, near vending machines, etc. provides a convenient recycling solution.
• Make It Competitive. A little friendly competition is always a good motivator. Choose groups that can work together against other groups to come up with the most recycling. This can break up daily routines while sparking creativity and company spirit. You can also set up a contest with a nearby business and provide the staff updates to keep them motivated and set a prize for the winning team.
• Give An Incentive. Let's face it, money talks and there is value in certain recycling materials. Glass, aluminum, and plastic all have a cash value and there are recycling centers that will pay for these items. Over time, the interest in the financial reward may diminish but their habit of recycling will remain. Another way to motivate employees is to use the revenue generated from recycling to pay for corporate outings, new equipment, training, etc. that will directly benefit them.
• Be The Example. Choose to be an example to your employees and coworkers. When the staff sees you and others making the effort to recycle, they will be inspired to follow. It is your duty to send out a positive message to the rest of the workplace and to demonstrate just how important recycling is.

The Takeaway

Recycling is essential, it decreases waste, allows materials to be reused, and helps the environment. With the benefits that we know that recycling has its difficult to believe that some people don’t recycle! Don't fret, there are times that people just need some encouragement and guidelines.

TVG Waste Consulting provides proactive environmental consulting services. We're dedicated to saving you time, money, and making sure you have a custom solution to meet your needs. Contact us today!