A Smart Business can save money through avoided disposal costs as well as conserve natural resources and energy through waste reduction activities such as waste prevention, reuse and recycling. The first step is simple. Start a recycling program. Keep in mind that recycling does not increase the overall volume of waste, but simply requires separation. Once containers are separated, it may be that the remaining waste is minimal and can allow downsizing of trash cans, etc., to accommodate new storage demands for containers.
Gather the facts Assess your waste • •
Take a look in your garbage cans and dumpsters. How much paper are you throwing away? What kinds of paper do you have?
Find
Lorain Counties largest paper recyclers
Abitibi Paper Retriever The Paper Retriever Program promotes recycling by placing distinctive green and yellow Paper Retriever bins (at no cost) in highly visible areas at schools, churches and other non-profit organizations. These organizations are then paid for the recyclable paper they and members of their surrounding community collect in their Paper Retriever bin. The company accepts catalogs, magazines, newspapers, junk mail, office paper, fax paper, school paper, notebooks, and folders. Call Denise Piotrowski at (216) 961-3900 ext.10
Allied Waste Industry
a market
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Find out what levels of service and prices are available to you from different recyclers. Find out what grades of paper are accepted and if there are any separation requirements.
Previously, paper waste had to be “presorted” into many different categories before a recycling company would accept it. Recent advancements have been made in the ability of paper mills to process “mixed paper”. As a result of this technology, paper recycling has become more convenient than ever to participate in. The elimination of pre-sorting makes it that much easier for households, businesses, and other organizations to recycle almost all their paper waste. Many small offices may choose to have an employee volunteer to take their paper home and just place it on the curb with the rest of their recyclables. Others may choose to drop the paper off at an Abitibi container to support a local school or other non profit organization. Large volume producers may want to look into other options.
Signage • •
Allied Waste Industry’s new waste diversion program offers many opportunities to recycle. Call Heather Schultz at (440) 458-5191 Ext. 2157 There are also other companies offering more specialized paper recycling, and document destruction services. The District staff will be happy to help locate one for your needs.
Plan collection procedures Containers • •
Determine the size and number of recycling bins needed for your program. Consider giving each employee a paper recycling bin, this will make it more convenient for him or her to recycle.
Collection Locations • • •
Place containers near copiers, mailrooms and printers. Place desk-side bins next to each employee’s desk. It’s a good idea to have one common collection container for every 15-20 employees.
Post signs on bins and above collection containers indicating what materials are acceptable and what should be kept out. Use pictures whenever possible.
Employee Education •
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What can be put in the bin?
Collection is half the battle •
Let everyone know
Get the word out to all employees about the new recycling procedures. Send e-mails giving instructions on how to properly recycle office paper. Mention the recycling program at staff meetings and keep employees informed of any changes and your success.
Custodial Staff •
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It is very important to inform the custodial staff of these new procedures because they will most likely be responsible for some, if not all, of this process. Consider making signs to fit their needs.
For organizations that want to start recycling office paper, the District will provide you with the needed materials to get you started. •
Desk-side boxes for all employees.
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Help with the cost or acquisition of the common collection containers.
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Provide promotional materials and on-site training to introduce office paper recycling to your staff.
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Provide signage and posters to explain the program and aid in collection.
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Provide decals for all entrance doors informing the residents of Lorain County of your businesses' commitment to recycling, waste reduction and responsible business practices.
Collection Procedures •
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Keep it contaminant-free. No matter which grade of paper you decide to collect, there are a number of items that should not be mixed with the paper. Common contaminants include: food; metal fasteners; transparencies; plastic packaging; beverage containers; as well as paper towels, napkins and paperboard. Check with your recycler for a complete list of contaminants.
By reporting your recycling efforts to the District you will be automatically enrolled in the new business incentive program for 2009 and have the opportunity to join our business roundtable. The business roundtable will explore innovative recycling processes for the business community, solid waste contracts, co-operatives and the role of recycling in economic development. For schools and nonprofits that are part of the Abitibi PaperRetriever program, the District can also provide assistance in building local participation in the use of your collection bins. You can call the District Information Line to get details about any aspect of paper recycling in Lorain County. If your question needs to be answered by your local government, we will provide you with someone to contact, and how to reach them.
Any Questions?
What good does it do us to recycle if the products made from recycled materials are not in demand? We can help create market demand by looking for and purchasing products that are made with recycled content. • • • • • • •
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Cellulose Insulation - for office construction projects Computer Paper - carbonless, continuous bond, form bond, and green-bar Office Papers - lined pads, loose leaf, note pads, spiral bound notebooks, telephone message pads, wrapping paper, etc. Office Supplies - adding machine rolls, binders, dividers, files, folders, report covers Packaging Materials - boxes, cushioning, craft envelopes, mailing tubes, and other packing materials Paperboard - indexes, hanging files, craft files, linerboard, corrugating medium, pressboard, and tube stock Paper Products - absorbents, paper refuse bags, books/journals, calendars, coloring books, file boxes, office recycling containers, food service containers such as bowls, trays and plates Printing Papers - bond, book, coated offset, copy/xerographic, cotton fiber, cover stock, envelopes, business cards, label, memos, newsprint, offset, and text paper Tissue Papers - industrial wipers, napkins, bath tissue, facial tissue, and paper towels
You can support your office recycling efforts by promoting activities that reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of unnecessary waste. Less waste means lower waste collection and disposal costs and significant savings on future purchases.
Please call our Information Line 1-800-449-5463 or visit us online: www.loraincounty.us/solidwaste
Here are some ideas: • Make double-sided copies • Place information on announcement boards and circulate memos rather than making multiple copies • Share reports and periodicals instead of duplicating or purchasing multiple copies • Update distribution/mailing lists periodically and remove those who no longer need the information • Use scrap paper for notes and message pads • Request reduced packaging in shipments • Use non-glossy fax paper that does not require copying • Use electronic mail • Buy products that can be recycled in your office recycling program. • Remove your name from mailing lists of unwanted material
Printed On Recycled Paper