How To Setup A Recycling Program For:
Retail Establishments
July, 2008
Utilize a recycling program in your retail establishment as a marketing
tool to help sell your product. By implementing a recycling
program and showing it off you will communicate to customers that
you care for the environment and are cost-conscious.
Materials that should be separated and recycled include:
- Aluminum Cans
- Glass Containers
- Newspaper and Magazines
- Plastic Bottles and Jugs
- Cardboard Boxes (Flattened)
- Paper
How to make your program a success:
- Assess the waste being collected throughout your establishment.
- Develop a recycling program based on your findings for each area. Be sure to concentrate on materials producing the highest amounts of waste.
- Ensure all containers are located in easy-access areas for customers and staff and are properly marked for quick identification. Containers with specialized openings (i.e. hole for cans, slot for paper) are critical to maintain clean sorts.
- Inform your customers of your recycling program through posters, displays, etc. Use this as a marketing tool to promote your retail operation and products.
- Educate employees on proper recycling procedures. This can be easily accomplished through a staff meeting or memo of Do’s and Don’ts. Explain the goals of the program and procedures. Be sure to provide recycling information to new employees. Remind employees to keep food waste out of recycling containers and trash. Food waste should be handled separately from trash and recyclables.
- Record the volume of recyclables departing your premises through a log system. With this you will be able to receive accurate compensation for the materials your establishment has recovered.
- Once policies have been established, communicate the program to all staff. Demonstrate how to use each container and where to take all collected materials. Have this staff assist in monitoring the program.
OTHER TIPS
Packaging materials, particularly corrugated
cardboard, make up a large portion of any
retail store's waste. Because much of this
waste is generated outside the retail
establishment, reduction efforts must be
made in cooperation with vendors.
Incoming packaging such as bags and boxes
can be reused as packaging for customers.
However, while this reduces disposal
requirements, it does not solve the problem
of unnecessary packaging. If vendors ship
products in unnecessary or non-recyclable
packaging, you should consider asking them
to reduce packaging or switch to materials
that can be recycled or reused.
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