If you’re looking for ways to create more sustainable business practices, try cracking down on recycling contamination. Recycling contamination occurs when recyclables mix with trash and other waste. To help your business take action and start practicing better recycling habits, we’ve outlined some tips on how to prevent recycling contamination at your business. Use these tips to help your business reach your sustainability goals and start responsible recycling habits.
Clearly Designate Recycling and Garbage
It’s only natural that waste products and recyclables will wind up in the same receptacle if they are not clearly labeled. To increase your business’s recycling collection, make sure that your waste and recycling bins are clearly marked and separated. Try to have a recycling bin for every trash can, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and common rooms. The proximity of recycling bins can greatly impact your employees’ recycling habits by improving the ease of recycling.
Encourage Clean Recyclables
Another way to prevent recycling contamination in the workplace is to educate your employees about proper recycling habits and guidelines. For example, it’s best practice to rinse and dry your recyclables before tossing them into the recycling bin. Food scraps and other waste can complicate the recycling process and can send perfectly good recyclables to the landfill. Taking a few seconds to wash your recyclables before tossing them is a great way to practice better recycling habits and crack down on recycling contamination.
Know What To Recycle Versus What Not To Recycle
You should also educate your business on what objects you can throw into the recycling bin versus what you cannot. For example, Styrofoam cups, plates, and more are not fit for recycling. Plastic bags also don’t belong in the recycling bin unless you’re taking them to a specialty drop-off location. There are also other objects that many businesses use that can be recycled this way, such as computers, discs, hard drives, and other e-waste.
Once your business starts implementing these tips for how to prevent recycling contamination at your business, you’ll be several steps closer to your sustainability goals. Even something as simple as monitoring your recycling habits can help your business be more eco-friendly and lessen your carbon footprint.
