Take the Business Recycling Pledge
Take the pledge to start or improve recycling at your business!
Get Organized
Step 1
Bottom Line
Business waste reduction and recycling programs succeed when management and employees are organized, involved and committed to making change.
Take Action!
Employees
Get management on board by showing how a waste reduction and recycling program can save your company money, boost employee morale and save natural resources.
Management
Identify a "champion" in your organization to lead the effort, coordinate activities, and keep people informed and engaged in the process.
Learn More
- Involve employees by organizing a Green Team! Check out Minnesota Waste Wise's fact sheet on Green Teams for more information.
- Get started with a resource management contract. Check out the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Resource Management Programs page for templates for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and contracts.
Check out Rethink Recycling's case studies page for examples on how businesses have saved money through waste reduction and recycling.
Look in the Bin
Step 2
Bottom Line
Recycling is tax exempt in Minnesota. Take a look in the trash bins around your office – you might just be throwing away money!
Take Action!
Employees
Take a look at the trash and recycling bins around your office and take note of the following:
- Are they full?
- What's in them? Are there recyclables in the trash or vice versa? How much of your garbage is food waste?
- How often is your trash and/or recycling picked up?
- Are recycling and trash containers clearly labeled?
Management
Review your trash and recycling service statements or talk to your service provider to evaluate:
- How much waste is your business generating?
- How much do your collection and disposal services cost?
- Where is your waste going and how is it managed?
Learn More
- Contact your county to learn more about changes on waste and recycling in your area. Visit our Resources page to find contact information for your county.
- Perform a waste audit to learn what and how much is being thrown away. Check out the EPA's Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste for a waste assessment checklist or visit our Resources page for links to local programs that provide technical assistance.
- Find recycling pick-up and drop-off services for your company.
- Download free recycling and trash signs from the Recycling Association of Minnesota. You can even customize them to fit your needs.
Reduce Waste
Step 3
Bottom Line
Waste reduction can lower costs in every area of your business, from break rooms to shipping.
Take Action!
Employees
A few simple changes can significantly reduce the amount of waste you create at work:
- Use both sides of a sheet of paper when printing and copying
- Use reusable dishware in break rooms, at your desk and at meetings
- Use electronic documents whenever possible and print only what you need
Management
Brainstorm with staff about your day-to-day operations to help identify waste reduction opportunities. Some potential areas include:
- Buying supplies in bulk or economy sized packaging
- Purchasing or leasing washable, reusable cleaning cloths
- Shipping products in returnable containers
Learn More
- See our Waste Reduction Checklist for more great ideas
- Find Donation Opportunities for unwanted items
- See our Reusable Transport Packaging page for ideas on how to reduce packaging waste
- Learn how to host green meetings and events at Green Gatherings.
Start Recycling
Step 4
Bottom Line
Recycling is easy when done right! Make sure you’re getting the most out of your company’s recycling program.
Take Action!
Employees
Make sure you're getting the most out of the recycling program where you work:
- Verify what's being accepted with your service provider
- Place clear and visible labels on every recycling bin
- Place a recycling bin next to every trash can
- Work with facility staff to make sure recycling is being collected and stored properly for pick-up.
Management
Comparison shop for a recycling service provider. Key questions to ask potential providers include:
- What materials do you collect and how should they be sorted?
- Do you provide collection containers (desk paper trays, bins, barrels, dumpsters, outside storage containers, etc.)?
- What are your payment terms? Do you require a contract for service?
- Do you provide labels or signs for recycling containers?
Learn More
- Find recycling pick-up and drop-off services for your company.
- Do more by recycling your company's food waste! Learn how to keep food waste out of the garbage.
- Download free recycling and trash signs from the Recycling Association of Minnesota. You can even customize them to fit your needs.
- Close the loop - buy recycled! Learn about environmentally preferable purchasing.
Spread the Word
Step 5
Bottom Line
Employee participation and training is critical to success - spread the news about your recycling efforts!
Take Action!
Employees
Spread the word to your fellow employees about your company’s recycling program. Be sure to include information on company goals, what’s recyclable and who to contact with questions.
Management
Coordinate training for everyone in your company that handles recyclables, from custodial staff to outside contractors. Program understanding at every level is critical to its success. Track your progress and celebrate success!
Learn More
- Learn more about why recycling matters and what recyclables are used to make
Better business recycling is easy
Business recycling is easier than you think. Use this step-by-step guide to help you design a program that is tailored to meet the needs of your business. If your business has already established a program, look here for ideas on how to improve or expand your program. Start today! Check off the steps as you go.
Need additional resources? Check our Resources page to find the contact info for a representative from the county that your business is located in, as well as a list of helpful links!
Files
5_Steps_to_Better_Business_Recycling.pdf
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