
Recycle and cut your waste disposal fee
Due to California’s shortage of long-term landfill space, many local governments are predicting a 20% to 100% increase in disposal costs over the next few years. By reducing waste, businesses can avoid millions of dollars in disposal costs and reduce corresponding greenhouse gas emissions.
No-Cost Steps to Recycle & Cut Waste
Reduce Office Waste
- Develop a company-wide policy of photocopying on both sides of the paper.
- Use the blank side of printed material for creating draft documents and notepads.
- Email reports instead of making printed copies.
- Use outdated forms and letterheads for in-house memos.
- Post general memos in central locations or on electronic bulletin pages.
- Encourage saving documents on disk rather than paper.
Create a Reuse and Recycling Culture
- Establish a workplace recycling system for paper, plastics, aluminum, and glass.
- Examine the manufacturing processes for opportunities to use materials more efficiently.
- Rethink product packaging.
- Consider composting food waste.
- Participate in recycling programs for unwanted electronic equipment.
- Rent or lease equipment, particularly from manufacturers that will take back and recycle their goods at their “end of life.”
Plan to Recycle & Cut Waste
Conduct a Waste Assessment
A waste assessment is used to determine what wastes are generated in what quantities from what activities. Most garbage companies offer a free consultation on how to reduce waste and save money at your business. Call your garbage company to arrange for a site visit. Local jurisdictions may also offer free consultations and equipment (such as desk side recycling bins) to the business community.
Set Zero Waste as your Goal
A Zero Waste goal maximizes recycling, minimizes waste, reduces consumption and ensures that products are made to be reused, repaired or recycled back into the marketplace or the environment.Click here for information about how to implement a zero waste policy at your business.
Image Credit
Author: D’Arcy Norman
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dnorman/3314634378/
CC License: Attribution 2.0 Generic
Author: CoolCalifornia.org