If your office hasn’t started a recycling program, it’s not too late for you to make a difference in the world around you. In the workplace, roughly 80 to 90 percent of solid waste is actually recyclable.  We’ve got a few tips on how you can save the Earth by launching a recycling program.

Paperless:

The average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of paper each year and 70 percent of the total waste in offices is made up of paper. Look at where you can add recycling containers to maximize recycling. Be sure to place a recycle receptacle next to the printer and copier as 30 percent of print jobs are never even picked up from the printer. Not only can going paperless help cut costs for your company but storing files in a server can result in finding important documents quicker which can result in higher productivity for your employees.

Ink & Toner:

After cutting out as much paper waste that you can, you might notice a decrease in the amount of ink or toner your printer and copier goes through. You should still look for ways to properly dispose of used cartridges. Office Depot, Staples, and other supply stores offer recycling options.

Water Bottle Waste :

Initiate a company-wide recycling program that focuses on single-use bottles. By installing sustainable water filtration units through National Vending and encouraging employees to use reusable water bottles, your workplace can help cut back on the amount of plastic that ends up in a landfill. By recycling one ton of plastic, you can save 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space.

Breakrooms:

Encourage employees to bring in their own reusable utensils or provide non-plastic silverware for employees to use. Since a vast majority of plastic utensils can’t be recycled, it’s best to consider options that allow for reuse. Not only will you help cut down on landfill plastic, but you can also eliminate the energy and water waste it takes to make the plastic cutlery in the first place. If your company breakroom features a single-cup brewer, consider adding a recycling program like Grounds to Grow On so you can recycle used coffee pods.

Old Office Equipment:

If your business has outdated furniture, computers or other office related items, look for ways to recycle or donate them or contact your local waste management services to ensure you are disposing of items properly.

Encourage Employees:

Send out emails outlining the new procedures for recycling and discuss the impact they have on the world around them. Start by offering an incentive program or purchase new reusable water bottles as a way to encourage your employees to participate in this new initiative.

No matter what steps your office is taking to reduce, reuse or recycle, the smallest efforts can lead to a big impact. Take the time to consider the benefits your company could receive if everyone took the time to recycle.