First

Appoint a recycling coordinator.

Second

Find a buyer for your recyclables.

If your waste hauler doesn't take recyclable you will need to find a recycler. Look in the yellow pages under Recycling, Wastepaper dealers and Waste Haulers. You will want to find a recycler that best fits your needs. For tips and help finding a vendor use our Recycler Checklist

Third

Develop a convenient collection system.

To make a recycling program work you will need to locate recycling containers at the source. Make your recycling program easy and convenient and you will get a high rate of participation.

• Place small containers at every desk and work station.

• Locate intermediate containers at the copier, printer and common work areas.

• Have beverage container collection bins in the kitchen or lunchroom and near vending machines.

Establish a daily or weekly collection schedule coordinated with the trash pick up and / or the recycler.

Kick off!

Once you have your recycler lined up and purchased your recycling containers you are ready to kick off your program. Here are some tips to get the maximum participation.

• Promote! Create and generate enthusiasm.

• Announce! Send out a kick-off memo.

• Explain! Involve the participants in an educational session, reinforced with a “how-to” memo.

Periodically reinforce the newly developed recycling habit.

• Post the results of your recycling efforts.

• Inform employees if the wrong type of material is being placed with the recyclables.

• List the earnings from the program and disposal cost savings.

• Circulate articles about recycling that appear in newspapers or magazines.