Office Supplies Blog

In the past, we’ve reported on several ways to help conserve energy – buying equipment with the Energy Star logo, shutting off equipment when not in use, and adjusting lights & thermostats accordingly in unused areas are all important and easy steps you can take to lower expenses. However, there are also broader programs you should consider.

Recycling Can Reduce Waste in Your Bottom Line
Did you know that there may be a market for your recyclables? It depends on your type of business and the kind of scrap materials or refuses your business produces. However, even if you can’t receive cash for your trash, it makes good sense to recycle. To create an effective program, try following these simple rules of thumb:

Develop a plan. This can include setting up a recycling team that can conduct an audit of your facility and evaluate the kind and amount of waste your company generates. Be sure to set goals and try offering rewards to encourage participation and maintain your program.
Take time to educate employees about the benefits, need, and convenience of the program. You may want to develop some educational materials and posters.

Consult with your waste hauler. Through recycling, you can actually negotiate lower waste management costs. Your hauler may also help you identify possible markets for your recyclables.

Implement your program. Start by placing recycling bins & receptacles in key locations of high traffic: near copiers, printers or other equipment. Develop a collection schedule, and kick off your program with an event to build excitement.

Monitor your progress. Your recycling team can evaluate progress and make adjustments.

Don’t forget – you can recycle a lot of different material and items! Check your local community listings that support recycling programs for hazardous materials, old computers and batteries, including old cell phone batteries. Additionally, be sure to recycle toner cartridges - ask your discount office supplier or sales rep for more information, as most leading cartridge manufacturers have made it easier than ever to recycle their products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Reducing: Better Than Recycling

While recycling is an essential part of conservation, it is always better to reduce the amount of waste that you produce. There are many ways to achieve this goal:

I recommend:

• Use e-mail instead of printed correspondence
• Edit all documents on your computer before printing
• Copy documents on both sides of the paper – this can cut paper costs by up to 50% and reduce mailing costs
• Use recycled paper and reuse paper that has printing on one side for phone messages, scratch pads or printing drafts of documents
• Consider reusable glassware, dinnerware, and silverware in your kitchen or cafeteria

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Recommended Recycled Products:

• Recycled Office Paper
  
• Recycling bins and receptacle
• Energy Star products
• Reusable dining ware