Promoting recycling at your small business is a simple yet impactful action that can contribute to a more sustainable environment. Recycling plays a vital role in safeguarding the environment by diverting waste from landfills, conserving valuable resources like energy, water, and raw materials, and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, thus contributing to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

However, taking this action does not mean just placing recycling bins somewhere and stepping away. At a minimum, consider:

1. Assessing your workplace's current waste management practices and identifying areas where recycling can be implemented or improved.
2. Setting up clearly labeled recycling bins in convenient and visible locations throughout your premises, such as common areas, break rooms, and near copiers or printers. Pay close attention to WHERE you place the bins, as it can make a significant difference on the success of your program. 
3. Educating your employees about the importance of recycling and provide clear guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled. Finally, regularly communicate and reinforce these practices to ensure ongoing participation and adherence.

Implementing recycling practices can also benefit your business in various ways. It can help you save money on waste disposal costs, as recycling may be more cost effective than traditional waste removal methods. Additionally, promoting recycling can enhance your business's reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers who prefer to support eco-friendly companies. It can also boost employee morale and engagement, as employees appreciate working for a socially responsible organization.

*And remember… don't just “do” an action. Make that action effective. Learn more about what it means to be effective in our related blog post. 

Interested in Learning More?

Articles about the action:

• Recycling in the Office: The In's and Out's of Setting Up an At-Work Recycling Program (greenbusinessbureau.com)
• 10 Great Benefits of Recycling for Businesses (accelpolymers.com)
• Why Is Recycling Important For A Business? 5 Surprising Benefits (cleanriver.com)
• America Recycles Day (epa.gov)

Ideas for getting started:

• 22 Top Recycling Tips for the Workplace That You Can Implement Today (recyclecoach.com)
• How to set up an office recycling program (cleanriver.com)