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:
- Upper Management
- Department Managers
- Facility Manager
- Interested employees
- Operations Manager
- Your Recycling Service Provider (if you have one)
- Housekeeping/Custodial
Questions your plan should answer?
Green Teams
Some businesses organize Green Teams to help develop recycling plans and programs. Green Teams are typically comprised of employees who are highly interested in sustainability issues. The most successful Green Teams are supported by their leadership.
Some Benefits to having a Green Team:
- Leverages the energy of employees who are interested in sustainability
- Provides feedback to management on potential sustainability programs
- Can organize and engage other co-workers on sustainability projects
SWACO has a pre-recorded webinar available about Organizing a Green Team that may help you secure the support you need for implementing a recycling program at your business (Part of our Recycle at Work webinar series). The size of your business (number of employees, footprint of you buildings) will help to determine whether you need a Green Team. The larger your business, the more likely it is that a Green Team would be helpful in creating and implementing a sustainable recycling program.
Click below to Download Recycling Plan Template
SWACO has created a Recycling Plan Template filled with questions you and your team can answer to help organize important information pertaining to your program.
Have questions?
Watch our webinar on "How to Write a Recycling Plan" or email us at [email protected].