Recycling at Work
Chehalem Valley Business News, September 2005
Did you know that 50% of landfilled waste in Oregon comes from the Commercial sector? That means your recycling efforts at work can make a big impact. By recycling you can reduce air and water pollution and use natural resources more efficiently. Reducing the amount of garbage that you produce may even lower your garbage bill!
There are several easy things that you can do at work to make a difference.
- Always make double sided copies. Reuse the back of single sided copies for notes or miscellaneous printing. Don't print emails or other electronic documents unless you really need them.
- Recycle in the lunchroom. Remember that pop cans, plastic bottles, tin cans and aluminum foil can all go in the recycling cart. Better yet, bring your lunch in reusable containers with cloth napkins and lunch bags. Use permanent dishware in the lunchroom and at your desk.
- Use your buying power to help close the loop on recycling. When purchasing office supplies, buy items with recycled content. Consumer demand helps the recycling industry grow. When possible, buy in bulk to minimize packaging.
Newberg Garbage Service is here to help. We offer free deskside recycling boxes to all commercial customers as well as free waste audits that help you discover ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle at your specific business. We can help you develop a green team, assist you in streamlining your recycling program, provide recycling signs and help with employee training.
Does your business throw away things that someone else might find useful? Call us for a list of helpful websites and organizations that coordinate waste exchanges between businesses. If it can't be reused, we can help you find avenues or alternatives for hard to recycle items.
Become a role model for other businesses. Yamhill County Businesses Reducing Our Waste Now (YC BROWN) is a countywide program that recognizes businesses for reducing their waste and recycling. Participation in the program is free. As a member, you will be recognized in ads and publications and be eligible to win the annual Waste Less Award. Call or go online to www.ycsw.org for more details.
If your business or organization is hosting an event, remember to recycle. Newberg Garbage has event recycling containers that make collecting pop cans and plastic bottles a breeze. These easy to set up containers are clearly labeled and come with clear bags to make recycling simple for you to manage, regardless of crowd size. Call to reserve a container for your event today!
For more information, please contact Newberg Garbage Service at 503-538-1388
By Martha Hovis, Recycling Coordinator
Newberg Garbage and Recycling
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