There are several ways to help reduce your carbon footprint, and recycling is one of the easiest. If you own a small business, you might be surprised by how much material you’re actually able to recycle. In this article, you’ll find out which types of materials you can reuse or recycle.
Before starting your recycling journey, it pays to understand the difference between what is being recycled in your area and what isn’t. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specific states may have different guidelines for what is recycled. Still, as a business owner, it’s not always easy to know which items are acceptable for reuse or recycling.
Cardboard Recycling
Cardboard is a great material for recycling because it’s cheap, easily available, and offers the most return on your investment. For example, roughly 80% of corrugated cardboard is recycled.
Most cardboard boxes are recyclable, including packing, cereal, and shoe boxes. Yet there are some things to keep in mind:
- Try to keep food away from cardboard to prevent contamination
- It’s possible to get baling wire from places like Baling Wire Direct, which can be used to secure compacted cardboard bales.
- It’s best to segregate your recyclables.
Glass recycling
It’s never been easier to recycle. Glass is one of the easiest materials to recycle because it can be broken down and reused with little processing. If you have a collection of glass bottles onsite, you may consider recycling them by taking them to a local recycling center or a supported community event.
There are some considerations when you choose to recycle glass:
- Glass can be recycled repeatedly and without any loss of quality
- Make sure your containers are clean and dry, so they aren’t rejected when you take them for recycling.
- Separate the different colored glass
Plastic Recycling
Plastic recycling is also a great choice for your business. Plastic has numerous applications in various processes, and the industry is growing every year.
There are some things to keep in mind when you recycle plastic:
- Make sure the plastic is clean and dry before putting it out for recycling.
- If possible, look into cleaning out your bins so they’re easier to sort at the recycling center.
- Find out if items are not accepted for recycling with your collection service provider.
- If you’re using a commercial waste management company, ask about drop-off locations in your area.
There are many ways to recycle materials in your business, and doing so can significantly affect your carbon footprint. It’s no longer acceptable to send your recyclable materials to the landfill. If your customers were to find out, it could negatively impact your company’s image.
You may find the actual recycling process overwhelming, but with some research and consideration, it doesn’t have to be. There are numerous resources available to help you get started.
Finally, we recommend keeping your local waste collection services in mind when considering how to reduce your carbon footprint. One way they can help is by helping you with any questions you might have about recycling in your area. They may also be able to set up a recycling program for your business.