OFFICE SUPPLY
RECYCLING
Many offices
offer recycling bins to divert paper waste, but there are a
number of other office products that can be recycled and
purchased with recycled content.
In addition conserving energy and preventing solid waste
buildup, buying recycled office products helps drive the demand
for recycling. Some
non-paper office supplies include binders, toner cartridges,
office furniture, trash bags, and plastic desktop accessories.
RECYCLED
PROCUREMENT
When purchasing
recycled office supplies, the EPA recommends certain percentages
of recycled content, depending on the item.
Some suggested non-paper items are provided below with
their recommended recovered material percentages.
Solid plastic
binders: 30 to 100
percent
Numerous types
of recycled plastics are used to manufacture solid plastic
binders. Types
include polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Plastic
clipboards and file folders: 50 to 90 percent
Most plastic clipboards and file folders are produced from HDPE.
Recycling or
trash receptacles:
25 to 100 percent
Depending on the type, receptacles are produced using plastic, steel,
corrugated paper, or industrial paperboard.
Desktop
organizers, sorts, trays, and other accessories:
25 to 80 percent
Polystyrene
composes most plastic desktop accessories.
Toner and
cartridges:
Because toner cartridges can be refilled or reused by retailers
and manufacturers, no recycled content percentage is provided.
Office
Furniture: 25 to 100
percent
A variety of
recycled materials are used to produce office furniture,
including steel, aluminum, wood, fabric, and plastic.
There are also many furniture pieces that could be
refurbished or refinished and reused.
REDUCING AND
REUSING
Partner
procurement and recycling efforts with reducing and preventing
waste. Try one of
the tips below. Start with breaking one or two wasteful habits
and then moving on to others.
Print using
both sides of the paper, and use electronic alternatives for
paper when possible.
Encryption and password protecting documents assist with
maintaining security.
Many programs provide electronic Post-it notes as well.
Create your own
scratch pads from misprinted or scrap paper, using an adhesive
padding compound.
Seek to
decrease the amount of junk mail you receive from solicitors.
Also consider reusing envelopes by changing the label
only.
Suggest or
purchase reusable coffee mugs or thermoses for employees.
Purchase
rechargeable batteries for small electronic office devices like
flashlights.
Rechargeable batteries are recyclable at the end of their useful
life.
Save and reuse
packaging that comes in from shipments for outgoing mail.
Also try ordering from manufacturers that use less
packaging.
Alternate the
use of less toxic cleaners with stronger ones.
Reduce the use of strong chemicals to about once a month.
If you control
the landscaping at your office, consider using grass clippings
for mulch to prevent water waste and weeds.
Maintain and
efficient system for ordering only supplies that you need and
will use. Balance bulk purchases by considering the shelf life
of a product first.
Keep employees
mindful of any recycling efforts by posting signs and sending
electronic reminders. Designate a responsible employee to
organize places for disposal and schedule pick-up. Promote
recycling efforts to visiting clients and customers.
Check for any
local government awards given to businesses that promote
recycling.
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