|
Gainesville Workplace Recycling Program
 |
|
Starting a Program at Your Workplace
|
|
|
By establishing a recycling program at your business you will not only be helping
to preserve natural resources and reduce pollution, but can also save money by avoiding
expensive disposal cost.The City of Gainesville Solid Waste Division's Office of Recycling
can assist you in starting up or improving your workplace recycling program. Office
of Recycling staff is available to provide your business with information and technical
assistance in reducing waste and exploring new recycling opportunities. Please call
the Office of Recycling at (352) 334-2130 for help in starting your recycling program
and follow the Recycling Program Checklist.
A first step in starting your recycling program is to understand the provisions set
in the City of Gainesville's Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. Since 1997, commercially
collected Solid Waste customers within the city limits are required to separate designated
recoverable materials and establish a recycling program. Businesses must recycle corrugated
cardboard and office paper. Multi-family properties are required to recycle newspapers, metal cans, and glass and plastic bottles and jars.
These specific recovered materials were selected due to their steady
market demand, but most businesses choose to expand their program to include other
recyclable materials. An exemption to the ordinance is available for businesses in
which less than 15% of their waste stream is comprised of recovered materials.
|
|
|
|
After you have chosen the materials you are going to recycle, contact your waste hauler
or other recycling collection companies to
determine collection service information (check out Important
Questions to Ask Your Recycler).
Next, review the layout of your workplace and determine the high traffic areas where
recycling containers will maximize usage and ease. For example, locate office paper recycling containers near copy machines or commingled recycling containers in dining areas.
Offices generally find that participation in recycling increases when collection begins
at each desk. The City of Gainesville's Office of Recycling can supply your workplace
with small desk-side boxes for your program. These desk-side boxes are available at no cost, but only in limited quantities and while supplies last.
Another step to establishing a recycling program is to ensure commitment from the
corporate office and local management. Also, appointing a recycling coordinator for
your operation or forming a recycling committee can significantly help in planning
and adjusting your recycling program. Promoting and explaining your recycling program
to all employees is critical to the success of your program as well. The City of Gainesville
can provide you with a variety of free informational materials to assist in the development
of your business's recycling program.
|
 |
|
A Waste Assessment is another step you can take to gain a better understanding
of the types and amounts of waste your business generates. Waste Assessments are a
complementary service from the City of Gainesville and consist of an on-site examination
of your company's waste stream by Solid Waste Division personnel. Solid Waste personnel
then recommend options in which your business can save money by reducing waste disposal
cost through waste prevention methods or establishing a recycling program. To receive
a free waste assessment, please call the Office of Recycling at (352) 334-2130.
By establishing and maintaining a recycling program your business will be in compliance
with the City of Gainesville ordinance and will help the community to meet our recycling
goals. Recycling is clearly a simple and wise alternative to sending heaps of garbage
to a landfill, especially with easily recyclable materials such as paper,
aluminum, glass, and plastic.
|
WorkPlace Recycling Program Checklist
-
If your business is located in a multi-unit building, ask the property manager if
each business is responsible for their own recycling program or if an overall recycling
program is offered.
-
Obtain management's commitment and support, both from the corporate office and from
the local manager.
-
Appoint a recycling coordinator for your operation.
-
Determine what to recycle. Choose items that make up a significant portion of your
waste stream and can be cleanly separated.
-
Involve employees in planning. Make it their program.
-
Select a certified hauler or arrange for transport of recyclables to a certified recycling
center.
-
Negotiate adjustments in your waste disposal contract if possible.
-
Place clearly marked collection containers in work areas and customer areas.
-
Kick off your program with an official ceremony or memo from management. Continue to
promote your recycling program to employees.
-
Monitor and evaluate the program on a regular basis.
Check out Florida's New Green Lodging Program at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/ .
Check out these other waste reduction sites:
E-mail us for more information! 
|
PowerPoint Viewer
Acrobat Reader
Media Player
Flash Player