Waste Reduction and Recycling Information for Businesses
An effective waste-reduction program can help your business or institution:
- Avoid the high costs that arise from waste disposal
- Lower net operating costs
- Build an environmentally-conscious reputation
Not all recycling and waste collection facilities will collect materials from businesses, making it difficult to find available options. The Ecology Action Center has compiled a list of locations that will collect a wide range of materials from businesses for different pick-up, drop-off, as well as mail-in options. Additionally, below is a collection of materials for businesses to learn about how to reduce their waste production.
Waste Reduction Guides
These comprehensive guides are designed to provide information that allows for the evaluation and establishment of waste reduction programs. They provide overviews of the importance of waste reduction in the workplace, in addition to outlining steps to plan a waste reduction program that suits the specific needs of your business. After your program is in place, these guides offer suggestions about how to educate your staff and promote the program to provide for maximum efficiency.
EPA Solid Waste Reduction Guide – The US Environmental Protection Agency’s guide to managing and reducing waste in commercial buildings
A Guide to Workplace Composting – This up to date guide will help you initiate a composting program in the workplace
Recycling Guides and Waste Reduction Tips
Green Office Guide – This guide from 2011 consists of 100 questions to take into consideration while making efforts to create a more environmentally friendly workplace
Reduce Waste At Your Business – 8 ideas to reduce waste at your business
Waste Audit Resources
Waste Audit Manual – The Post-Landfill Action Network’s manual on waste audits including 4 different types of audits
How to Do a Waste Audit for Your Company – A quick 10 minute checklist from Recycle Coach
Waste Reduction Success Stories
See the types of companies that are already making the switch to producing less waste
Kraft Achieves Zero Waste in 36 Plants
State Farm Arena Diverts 90% of All Waste
Free Sign Maker Tool
Customize and print your own recycling signs