6 Steps to Setting Up a Commercial
Recycling Program

Content brought to you by Full Circle Recycling


Step 1: Select a Recycling Coordinator
Designate a coordinator for your recycling program, perhaps a manager or a staff person
enthusiastic about recycling. The recycling coordinator typically plans the program with input from upper management; develops an implementation schedule; informs employees about the program; monitors the success of the program.

Step 2: Organize the Recycling Program
Identify recycling collection locations. Recycling collection receptacles can be placed on the desk of each employee, in reception areas, meeting rooms, and in areas used frequently by employees such as the copier room, lunch room or next to the vending machines. For Best results, internal containers should match the size and layout of your business, while external recycling container(s) should be compatible with your chosen recycling hauler’s collection equipment. Make sure that the recycling containers are clearly marked “Recycling Only” to improve participation and avoid confusion. Your hauler may also offer recommendations as to how certain challenges have been solved among his/her other customers in your area or industry.

Step 3: Arrange for Collection Service
Businesses can contract with a private waste hauler to collect recyclable materials. By law, waste haulers who collect, process, and/or transport recyclable materials must be registered. If your current solid waste contractor is unable to provide recycling collection service, you may contact the WI Office of Recycling for a list of registered collectors. If your business is small, you may wish to inquire with surrounding businesses to determine whether your office might share the cost of a common recycling contract and/or external container. For a business wishing to become a “self-implementer,” that is, a business that hauls away its recyclables on its own, municipal regulations require an annual “Recycling Vehicle Registration” and monthly filing of reports on material volume.

Step 4: Inform Employees and Customers About the Recycling Program
Information and education is crucial to the success of any recycling program. Be sure to inform your employees about the recycling program. We recommend that you:
• Place information about the recycling program in common areas.
• Distribute recycling information during new employee orientation.
• Train employees so that they are well versed about the recycling program.
• Keep the recycling areas tidy to keep enthusiasm high and to present a positive recycling image.
• Have employees explain the mandatory recycling program to all clients.
• On stationery and business documents, indicate that your business recycles.
• Encourage clients to recycle.

Step 5: Evaluate and Monitor the Recycling Program
Reinforcing the new recycling habit will be very important to an effective and successful recycling effort. The program should be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis.. If you lease space, check with the facility manager for recycling information. Any problem, such as putting recyclables into the trash or low participation, should be addressed quickly. Periodically remind employees about the value of the program. The suggestions in this booklet are meant to offer a basic structure to underline recycling’s purpose, methods and employee mobilization. To investigate unique solutions for your program, our office recommends researching with local industry associations, neighborhood commercial organizations, registered recycling haulers, and resources on the Internet. Your local Office of Recycling Investigator is available for consultation as well. However due to staffing and scheduling constraints, we ask that you explore these other resources before contacting us if you are able to do so.

Step 6. Closing the Loop - Purchasing Recycled Products
Buying products made from recycled materials “closes the loop” and helps to ensure that recycling is a sustainable activity. Purchasing products made from recycled stock creates a stronger market for new recycled consumer products. Paper is one of the most successful recyclables, but not the only one. For example, aluminum cans are continuously made into new beverage containers and building materials. Recycled glass is used to manufacture bottles, bricks, fiberglass insulation and street paving material. Plastics are also recycled into things like computer diskettes, outdoor furniture, toys, rest room dividers, wastebaskets, auto parts, carpeting, and even certain fabrics. All steel products manufactured in the United States contain at least 25 percent - and sometimes as much as 100 percent - recycled steel.

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