Page 542 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

520 INTERNATIONAL SERVICE APPLICATIONS

42.3 Potential Technologies

and Strategies

Several proven strategies exist to implement and sustain office oriented–recycling pro-
grams. Most are very low cost, but require a moderate to high degree of communication
and coordination, below is a brief list:

■ Establish waste and recycling agreements with nearby businesses—Businesses that
operate in business centers or industrial parks can achieve significant cost savings
by consolidating waste hauling and recycling contracts. Business tenant meetings
or board meetings are appropriate venues to discuss these options.
■ Create incentive programs for employees—Motivating employees to recycle is one
of the most important components of any waste minimization program. Offering
awards to top performing units or individuals can help achieve this goal. The awards
may include money, corporate logo gifts, paid time off, or public recognition. A
company-wide luncheon or breakfast may also be provided if the organizational
waste minimization goals are met.
■ Set defaults to double sided for copiers—Studies have shown that setting copier
defaults to double sided may reduce paper waste by 40 percent. Most copiers are
set to single side and users must select double sided.
■ Use paperless fax machines—Send files electronically to fax machines and set
defaults to not print a fax confirmation.
■ Provide employees with desk side recycling bins—Providing each employee in the
office with a desk-side recycling container will enhance motivation to recycle. The
container will serve as a visual reminder to recycle and reduce travel time to a consol-
idated recycle bin. The advantages of desk-side recycling include the maximum
potential for collecting the most amount of paper for recycling and provide the most
convenient method for employees to dispose of both recyclable and nonrecyclable
materials. Disadvantages include the potential for contamination of recyclable
papers if trash is disposed of into the wrong bin and the initial cost incurred for extra
recycle bins.
■ Provide employees with periodic newsletters—These letters may contain informa-
tion on recycling performance trends for the company, and announce awards and
new programs.
■ Appoint a green cop to monitor individual employee performance—Designating an
employee to police the material entering the waste stream and recycling bins can
motivate employees to follow proper procedures. The individual should be instructed
to report all findings (conformance and nonconformance) to managers and other
employees.
■ Shredding of confidential documents—Establish a relationship with a vendor to recy-
cle shredded paper. Many waste removal and recycling companies offer confidential
shredding services. Ensure that the company is certified by the NAID. NAID offers a
certification program on a voluntary basis to all member companies providing
information-destruction services. Through the program, NAID members may seek