How To Promote Recycling At The Workplace

Photo Credit: Flickr/PittWedge

Last year I posted an article where I discussed recyclable things I had been finding in our garbage at the workplace.  I had high hopes for that article - that it would serve as office policy for how to manage our waste.  That people would learn valuable lessons on how to properly recycle things.  Maybe I would even get a few high-fives out of it.  Well I’m here to tell you after the fact – no such luck.

In my day job, I work in an office that is not focused on environmental issues.  This means that my co-workers are in various states of eco-consciousness.  Some are very aware of green living, some don’t even know what I’m talking about.  And yes, there is even someone who is anti-green.  And this is how it is for many of us (unless you work in the green industry).  How are we supposed to work with this to improve the state of our recycle bins?

First tip: Take initiative for educating your co-workers on how to properly recycle at the office.  If you are reading this, I’m betting you are interested in collective change.  Why not be the instigator?  If not you, then who?

Second tip: Accept others where they are.  Judgment will only discourage your audience.  Think of it this way: you get more flies with honey.  Be sweet about it.  Don’t run through the office angrily accusing others of violating the guidelines, people won’t listen to you.  And don’t get too discouraged if some people don’t seem receptive.  You can’t win ‘em all!

Third tip: Post some recycling guidelines.  Not just the stuff from your waste management company, but keep a log of things that you are finding in the wrong receptacle and post a list of those things by the garbage.  For instance, most people know to recycle paper, but they disconnect when they change out the paper towel roll.  In my office, this item usually ends up in the garbage and I fish it out and put it in the recycling.  But when people know better, they do better.  Another example, there is a small food court across the street from our office and they have detailed lists with photographs to show customers where to put their garbage, recycling, and compost.  I see people there all the time examining their items carefully before they decide where to put them because they want to do it right.

Fourth tip: When you see an offense, say something.  If you see someone placing an item in the wrong container, bring it to their attention in a nice and supporting way.  How about, “did you know that the item you are about to throw away is actually recyclable?  Can I ask that you put it in the recycle bin?”  This is a wonderful teaching opportunity.  Odds are that the person has no idea that they are putting things in the wrong receptacles.  And if you don’t say anything, they will continue to act in the same way.

Fifth tip: Develop collection stations for hard to recycle items.  Designate someone (willing) to be the go-to person for plastic bag recycling.  Set up a battery recycling box and take it periodically to the recycling place.  Go a step further and bring in reusable towels to replace paper towels and volunteer to take them home to wash regularly.  If you initiate some of these things, you can likely get your co-workers to help you out with making them happen.  Perhaps you can even start a recycling committee!

Make it easy, make it fun, make it be an issue that people are aware of.  And keep at it; you may need to repeat yourself a few times.  But also, your co-workers will be more likely to listen to your guidance on workplace recycling if you are model example for others to follow.  The amazing thing that will happen from educating people at work on proper recycling – the odds are good that they will take their new recycling knowledge with them to their homes and do better there as well. 

Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household.  Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.