DEQ Home > BizHelp > Business Sense > Tools > Recycling > Containers
Key Steps: Adopting a Recycling Program
Step 7:
Set Up Recycling Containers and Coordinate Collection
After deciding on what materials to recycle and negotiating a contract with a recycling vendor, it is time to set up your collection system. Different types of containers will be needed, such as smaller bins for workstations and larger centrally located indoor containers. Mobile collection carts may be needed to transport recyclables from central indoor containers to central outdoor containers. Place containers in strategic locations and make sure they are labeled clearly. You may want to consider the following:
Place a recycling container near every trash can or provide recycling containers at each workstation and trash cans in a central location.
- Place larger recycling containers for paper collection near printers, copiers, and in mailrooms.
- Place containers for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, and cardboard in break rooms, shops, packaging departments or other central locations.
Coordinate the collection of recyclables from the central indoor containers to the outdoor storage area with the recycling vendor, janitorial crew, and staff. When the janitorial contract is being renewed, include the recycling duties in the contract. Considering that your janitorial contractor will be collecting the same amount of material and if receptacles are located close to the trash cans, the additional amount of time and effort required will be minimal. Make sure to identify who will empty and clean central containers and at what frequency.
Used fluorescent lamps should be stored in the boxes in which the new lamps came and then collected by a fluorescent lamp recycler for recycling of this hazardous material.
Contact Paul Harding (801-536-4108) or Frances Bernards (801-536-0086) for further information on the content of this page.
