Tips for Recycling at Work

Most office workers throw away more than one pound of recyclables every day!  This habit is economically and environmentally impractical. There are several simple things that can be done to reduce the amount of waste generated in the workplace:

Paper - Reduce and Reuse
-Use electronic mail, bulletin boards for interoffice memos 
-Stop incoming mail duplicates and catalogs addressed to former employees
-Make memo pads from scrap paper with only one side of printing 
-Reuse manila envelopes, index cards, hanging folders and file folders
-Buy paper with high post-consumer recycled content

Utilize Old Publications
If your company has changed it address or telephone number, do not throw out your old letterhead, business cards, or brochures:

-Cut outdated sheets of letterhead to make memo pads
-Cut out logos from outdated business cards and paste them in computer generated name tags, bookmarks, etc.
-Cut brochures into individual panels, and reuse them by combining them with new panels in small folders.

Breakroom, Cafeteria and Restroom
-Promote the use of reusable mugs, dishes and cutlery
-Buy cleaning supplies in bulk 
-Buy recycled content toilet paper and paper towels

Shipping
-Use shredded paper, instead of styrofoam peanuts, for packing
-Ask vendors to reduce packaging in your orders
-Return packing materials to vendors for reuse whenever possible

Set up a Reusable Cabinet
-Create a centralized cabinet in which employees can place usable items they no longer need so that other employees can utilize them