How to Recycle at Work
on Your Own

The District is available to assist you every step of the way in implementing a successful recycling program, however, if you would prefer to start recycling on your own, here are the general steps you should take:

1. Assess Your Waste Stream. One approach to waste assessment is to survey what you throw away and determine the general composition, for example, 50% paper, 40% organic, and 10% metal. Another option is to visit www.reduceyourwaste.org, a website that allows you to audit your waste stream without leaving your desk and offers great advice on how to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. For a list of local paper recycling vendors, visit our Paper Recyclers’ page.

2. Develop a Plan. Once you know what makes up your waste stream, ask your waste hauler how that material can be recycled. For example, if you work in an office building, you could place a paper recycling container by each desk (provided for free through the District). Those containers could be emptied into a wheeled toter that is picked up by your hauler.

3. Implement Your Program. Obtaining top management support and employee participation are the keys to a successful program. Make sure your employees know what and where to recycle. If your business is large enough, you may want to select an employee with good communication and organizational skills as a “recycling coordinator” or even form a recycling team with key members of the staff.

Call (513) 946-7789 or e-mail for more help coordinating a business recycling program.

To learn about other business programs offered by the District, click here.

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