Commercial establishments are among those that produce the most waste in California. As such, the California government has required all business establishments to recycle. This has effectively reduced the amount of waste produced by these establishments. If your office in Orange County needs help with recycling, there are some things you need to know.
Why Should You Recycle in the Office?
Aside from being required by the government, recycling has many benefits. Recycling in the office, of course, can really help the environment. What many people don’t realize is that it also directly benefits those in the office itself. Among the many benefits of recycling efforts in the office are:
· Environmental benefits
Recycling reduces the amount of waste that gets sent out into the environment. As a result, it ensures that the surrounding areas remain clean, safe, and aesthetically-pleasing. Aside from this, recycling helps conserve natural resources
· Proper Office recycling efforts can be habit-building
It is something that all households should do. Encouraging recycling in the office can become a habit that everyone can bring home.
· It gives your office a good image
People nowadays are more environmentally-conscious. They tend to favor businesses that have a green image. Being environmentally-friendly through proper office recycling may actually work in your favor.
· It helps you save money
Proper recycling can help you save money. For instance, reusing old materials can be financially beneficial in the long run.
Knowing the benefits can help pull everyone into proper office recycling. While it can be a bit daunting at first, the efforts will be worth it.
Office Recycling Tips
Starting a proper office recycling effort takes quite a bit of work. It’s totally doable with adequate knowledge. Here are some tips to help you out with proper office recycling:
1. Get suitable waste bins and baskets
It helps to invest in big and sturdy waste bins early on. Make sure that you get ones that are easily identifiable and can do their jobs properly.
2. Strategize your office bin use
Discourage the use of individual bins per office cubicle. Instead, opt for communal waste bins that the entire office floor can use. Make sure to have dedicated receptacles for biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclables. Have these bins in strategic places around the floor.
3. Have a dedicated compostable’ s bin
Also, have a dedicated bin for compostable waste. These include food and other organic waste. These tend to foul after a few hours, so mixing these in with other wastes may undermine efforts. Having a dedicated bin in a strategic location for your compostables makes segregation easier.
4. Orient everyone about the recycling efforts
Recycling projects will go to waste without the efforts of everyone involved. Make sure you orient everyone in the office about recycling rules. Stress the things that they should take note of and the things that should always be done.
5. Maximize the use of info sheets
People tend to forget the tidbits of information that they try to absorb quickly. That said, it helps to have laminated info sheets about the recycling efforts posted near the bins. Do this as a reminders-styled info sheet that is easily accessible for everyone in the office.
6. Reduce and reuse
Recycling is useless without reducing waste and reusing materials. Encourage everyone in the office to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Ask them to prioritize the use of reusable materials. Things as simple as reusable food and water containers, for example, can help reduce the amount of waste.
7. Aim for zero waste
Zero waste may seem impossible, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Encouraging the entire office to go zero waste may drastically decrease the amount of waste that you produce. Even if you don’t go completely waste-free, you’ll surely leave a positive impact on the environment.
8. Do an audit of office waste and recycling efforts
Doing a quick weekly count of waste reduction and recycling efforts can help you see points for improvement. Transparency is crucial, of course, as everyone needs to know about the results. Positive results can even boost office morale toward recycling efforts. It can, in fact, be an important step toward sustainable proper office recycling.
9. Have an incentive system in place
Finally, having incentives for participating in proper office recycling can certainly help. For example, a little prize for bragging rights can push everyone to participate.
Start Your Office Recycling Efforts Today.
Preparing your office for a recycling effort can be a bit challenging but is very rewarding. We can help you out. Prestige Property Services is a highly-experienced and trusted California-based commercial cleaning service. We serve Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino. If you need help with office cleaning, give us a call for a free estimate. Contact us at 714-224-0301 today.
