Recycling is an important part of waste management for commercial properties, not only because it helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also because it can save money on disposal costs. However, improving recycling rates in commercial buildings can be challenging, especially when there are many tenants and visitors who may not be familiar with the recycling program. In this blog post, we will explore some tips for improving recycling rates in commercial buildings and reducing waste sent to landfills.
- Provide education and training – Educating building occupants on the importance of recycling and providing training on how to properly sort and dispose of waste is essential. This can include distributing recycling guidelines, holding training sessions, and posting signs and labels to help people understand what can and cannot be recycled.
- Make recycling convenient – Make sure that recycling bins are easily accessible and clearly labeled. Place them in high-traffic areas, such as lobbies and break rooms, and ensure that they are emptied regularly.
- Monitor and measure recycling rates – Monitoring and measuring recycling rates can help identify areas where the program can be improved. This can include tracking the amount of waste sent to landfills, the amount of recycling collected, and the contamination rate (i.e. the amount of non-recyclable items in the recycling stream).
- Engage tenants and building occupants – Engaging tenants and building occupants in the recycling program can help create a culture of sustainability. This can include holding events and contests to promote recycling, recognizing and rewarding tenants who demonstrate a commitment to recycling, and soliciting feedback and suggestions from tenants to improve the program.
- Implement a composting program – Composting can divert organic waste from the landfill and create nutrient-rich soil for landscaping and gardening. Consider implementing a composting program for food waste and other organic materials.
Improving recycling rates in commercial buildings requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, convenience, monitoring, engagement, and innovation. By implementing these tips, commercial properties can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, save money on disposal costs, and promote sustainability for the benefit of both the environment and the bottom line.