A recycling plan helps to organize the information necessary for a successful recycling program. The plan can also identify responsibilities for implementing the program and the goals that you would like to achieve. A recycling plan also serves as an important reference document when things change. For example, if a contracted custodial service provider changes, the plan is a great reference for how recycling is handled in your place of business. Similarly, elements of the plan can be helpful during on-boarding of new employees or opening a new location. A Recycling Plan Template has been provided at the bottom of this page to get you started!
Include these representatives:
In order to create an effective plan, you’ll want to include a cross-section of departments and employees. Involving the right people in the planning of a program not only allows for the identification of potential challenges that need to be addressed prior to starting a program, it creates a deeper understanding of the program and employee buy-in when it is time to move to implementation. Consider including the following representatives when creating your plan:
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| - Your Recycling Service Provider (if you have one)
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Questions your plan should answer?
- What are the goals for program?
- Goals can be helpful to organize and prioritize the appropriate actions to take
- Consider making your goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound (“SMART”)
- What materials will be accepted in the recycling program?
- Determined by your Recycling Service Provider
- Does this change for specific parts of your operation?
- What type of collection containers will be used?
- Will different containers be used in different places, such as deskside, adjacent to copiers, in break rooms, and in public spaces?
- What kind of signage will be used on the containers?
- Where can employees find copies of the signage if it needs to be replaced?
- Where will the recycling collection containers be located?
- Floor Plans showing the exact locations of the containers can be helpful
- Who is responsible for service/collection of the recycling containers?
- Internally (Housekeeping/Custodial)
- How often is that service to be expected?
- Who is responsible for maintaining internal recycling containers?
- Where will recyclables be stored internally prior to collection by your service provider?
- Who will be the point of contact for the internal service?
- Externally (Service Provider/Hauler)
- How often is that service to be expected?
- Where will the recyclables be stored externally?
- Who will be the internal point of contact for the service provider?