A great way to determine what is needed for a recycling program is by seeking the input and approval of those in the space. Applying the advice of tenants and maintenance staff can encourage future program use. It can also ensure that an appropriate recycling program is selected by those who will be using it.

Determine how much and what type of waste is generated in the office. Apply it to the specifications provided by the hauler and the anticipated level of traffic for the area. Together this information will provide what is needed for the recycling program to run. For example, an office environment may require desk side recycling bins or large capacity centralized collection containers. The type of recycling bin which will work best will depend on how often it will be emptied, the amount of employees contributing to it, possible janitorial services and the size of the area.

Before introducing a program determine what type of recycling is possible for the area. This can be accomplished by contacting the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Establish where the local community is situated in relation to the ‘Green Municipal Fund’. This fund is an initiative implemented by the Canadian government for sustainable development in government operations. The federation should be able to provide program and waste hauler information for the area. Evaluate their customer satisfaction and collection costs.

Introduction As the founder of the German Green Party, Petra Kelly once said “If we don’t do the impossible, we shall be faced with the unthinkable.” It is time we answered Kelly’s call to action and set into motion the necessary steps to revitalize the earth, such as, integrating recycling programs within local communities. The simple practice of generating new ... [ Read more ]

Whether an environmental fanatic, moderate participant or someone simply seeking information we must work together toward the very real, immediate and necessary conservation of our natural resources and energy. Without such efforts our environment cannot sustain itself.  One of the ways in which we can contribute to environmentalism is by encouraging the design, manufacturing and purchasing of products which contain ... [ Read more ]

In the twentieth century there was a shift in the perception and practice of recycling. Instead of addressing waste and pollution concerns there was concentration placed on its elimination. The shift is commonly associated with a policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), or Product Stewardship. This article details the origins of EPR, how it is currently practiced and what ... [ Read more ]

Promotional materials if used effectively can boost a campaigns result. When shaping a promotional program establish a clear objective with suitable materials, a viable action plan and creative method for delivering it. This article reveals how a recycling program or service can use promotional materials to influence others.

Have You Incorporated A Single-Stream Recycling System? Congratulations!  You have adopted a new, exciting trend exploding throughout the recycling industry. Now that you have made the switch there are three key questions which require evaluation: are you confident that recyclables will be effectively collected, does your program garner the greatest diversion rates possible and are contributors motivated to use it? ... [ Read more ]