Eight Steps to Cutting Waste at Work

• Get top management support (a successful program requires it!).
  
• Engage the facilities manager.
  

• Designate an enthusiastic program leader.
  
• Develop a Green Team of interested employees from various departments. They can provide company-wide input as you develop your program. During program implementation, Green Team members can help promote interest and support for the program, distribute information, answer employees’ questions about the program, and spot potential problems.
  

Understanding the makeup of your waste stream and how it is managed is essential.

• Determine your current garbage collection schedule and cost. This can be as simple as reviewing waste collection contracts.
  
• Conduct a facility walk-through waste audit to determine what materials and how much of each you are discarding. Larger businesses may want to do an actual waste sort.
  
• Identify waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and environmentally-friendly purchasing opportunities.
  

• Target materials that make up the largest portion of your waste stream or require expensive handling, and explore ways to reduce or reuse them.
  
• Determine how and where to collect and process recyclable materials.
  
• Use the A to Z “Get Rid of It” Guide to identify local reuse and recycling options.
  
• "Close the loop” by using post-consumer recycled products.
  

• Get input from employees and custodial staff to make the program convenient and feasible for your business.
  
• Use promotions and incentives that will motivate your employees.
  
• Use company resources (bulletin boards, e-mail, etc.) to advertise your program.
  

Keys to the program's success are employee education, program promotion, clear & visible signage, and training for contractors or staff who will handle recovered materials.

• Give clear, concise instructions on how to handle recyclables.
  
• Use FREE educational and promotional materials from Pinellas County, or design your own.
  
• Provide program information at new employee orientation.
  
• Give program updates and reminders as needed.
  

• Have a kick-off celebration to encourage participation.
  
• Include a presentation from Pinellas County Utilities.
  
• Make employees and patrons feel like an important part of the program—because they are!
  

• Monitor the volume of garbage collected compared to waste diverted.
  
• Review the program and evaluate opportunities for improvement.
  
• Celebrate successes with employees to keep them motivated and energized.