Nov 15 celebrates the only nationally recognized day in the U.S. reminding us of the importance of recycling. This year, Governor Holcomb declared Indiana’s participation encouraging everyone from individuals to businesses and government to find new ways to recycle and make a difference for our community.
More than half of Indiana’s waste is not recycled – with the potential to impact our surface and ground water. Maintaining a recycling bin program is an easy first step to implement in any business setting. There are countless additional ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle this America Recycles Day and every day.
1. Review your e-waste generation and disposal
Did you know some electronic items are prohibited from being discarded by Indiana households, small businesses, and public schools with their municipal waste? This includes items such as TVs, computers, monitors, and cameras. Know where you can dispose of electronic waste and find out what is included in the law. Make your plan before devices reach the end of life and when you need to purchase electronic equipment, select products that are EPEAT-registered and meet environmental performance criteria.
2. Educate your community
You don’t have to go out to schools to give presentations on recycling (although you could!). Posting signs at your business for household hazardous waste disposal events or finding items you can no longer use to have as giveaways for children are easy ways to keep recycling in the front of the minds of community members. One printer we met created coloring books out of his recycled paper and gave them to his client’s children.
3. Examine your supply chain
These days consumers (and employees) want more products made from recycled materials. Do you have a production process with many suppliers or even regularly purchase office supplies? Check where your material is sourced from and have a conversation about including recycled materials.
4. Find ways to reduce
Recycling isn’t just about proper waste disposal. Reducing product use to keep items out of trash and recycling streams is just as important. Do you find a half a pot of coffee being thrown out every day? Find your deliveries from the same vendor arriving on consecutive days? Brainstorm with your employees ways you can reduce waste on a daily basis.
5. Celebrate
As you implement new recycling methods at your business, track their progress and impact. Keep employees informed that you are not only keeping your community clean, but working for the benefit of others worldwide – and probably saving money in the process! You customers will appreciate it too. If you participate in special programs or grants, place notices and host celebration days where everyone is invited to celebrate your success.
As you review your recycling efforts on this America Recycles Day and look to the future, be sure your business is already compliant with local ordinances. If you are located in Marion County, IN, contact us for a free site review and join us on this journey to protecting our home for future generations.
