Waste Stream

• Form a Green Team --- a small group of people dedicated to getting recycling in the work place. Next, look at what kind of trash your office generates. Contact your local solid waste management company or recycling centers and find out if they have recycling programs for offices. Solid waste management companies often have incentive programs such as a reduction in trash collection costs with an increase in recycling. If paper is your major solid waste, find out if it has to be sorted --- some companies keep the white copy paper recycling separate because it is of higher quality, and therefore worth more.
  
  

Stations

• Evaluate the work flow and traffic areas in the office. Decide if it would make more sense to have a paper recycling bin at each desk or to just have several larger bins around the office. One excellent site is usually in the office equipment area next to copiers and FAX machines. If possible collect mixed paper; it is easier, has higher rates of compliance and requires fewer collection bins. A perfect site for a mixed paper bin is in the mail room for junk mail.
  
  

Education

• Education is critical to the success of the program. Organize a kick-off event with food and prizes like reusable water bottles. Make sure that management supports the program and ask them to make a public statement to that effect. Work closely with the janitorial staff to ensure that they understand the program. Clearly label collection stations. Place posters in the lunchroom or on employee's bulletin boards, describing the program. Set up a program for educating new employees.
  
  

Expansion

• Once the paper recycling program is established, take on other items such as beverage bottles and cans. Again, find out what the recycling centers and waste collection company will take; all plastic bottles, or just numbers 1 and 2? Find out if plastic bottles and aluminum cans can be combined or if they need to be kept separate. Beverage receptacles are most effective when there is a hole in the lid the size of a can or bottle, with a nearby garbage can to encourage proper sorting.