Business owners have loaded schedules. Executives have a lot of important stuff to think about. The chances are good that if you’re in one of these categories, recycling at the workplace might not always be top of mind.
Running a business can be stressful, we totally get it. But we believe recycling should be a priority for every company (we may be just a little biased … 😉).
The truth is there’s some stuff you just can’t toss in the trash. Here are a few examples…
1) Appliances. Sometimes it’s a microwave that’s been with the company since 1989. Other times it’s a refrigerator that’s smelling so foul the employees are planning a revolt.
Every company’s been there, but as tempting as it is, you can’t just send these appliances to the dump. Appliance recycling is all the rage these days, so join in on the fun!
2) Batteries. That’s right — ALL of them. Even those tiny ones you find in keyfobs! To save trips to the recycling center, put a box in a convenient location where employees can toss their dead batteries, then have the batteries recycled once it’s full.
It’s important to mention that while throwing batteries in the trash is harmful to the environment, it can have other problems, too. For example, lithium-ion batteries can explode and start fires in garbage cans and trucks.
3) Electronics. Upgraded your computers recently? Finally got a new printer? Sweet! Your employees are probably pumped about it. Just don’t throw your old electronics in the trash.
If they’re still usable, sell them or donate them. If they’re worthless, send them to your nearest recycling center. We can’t speak for others, but our recycling center will take monitors, printers, keyboards, and a whole lot more.
4) Fluorescent lightbulbs and lamps. Fluorescents have mercury in them, which means they’re illegal to throw in the trash. A quick tip: put them in a box with newspaper to keep them from breaking en route to the recycling center.
5) Daily recyclables. We’re talking about things like boxes, coffee pods, paper, plastic bags, etc. It can be easy to simply throw these things in the trash to save money on recycling pickup. But really, don’t be a jerk.
Have recycling bins available for everyone at your company and sign up for a weekly recycling pickup. You’ll feel better knowing you’re doing the right thing and the planet will thank you!
These five types of materials are just a start, but you can learn more about items that are illegal to throw in the garbage in this article here. If you’re thinking it’s time to start recycling better at your company, we’d love to help!
We’re really into recycling, but we don’t do this just for us. Recycling appliances, electronics, and furniture gets junk out of your space and keeps the planet looking and feeling good. And who doesn’t love looking and feeling good?
So instead of tossing your stuff in the trash, give it to us. Why? Because we recycle 98.6% of everything that comes through our door. That’s only 1.4% away from perfection. But we’re not here to brag. We’re here to recycle.