Action Plan

A successful paper recycling program requires employee participation and source separation of materials. Recycling bins must stay clean and free from non-paper contaminants. Some general steps to setting up an office paper recycling system are: 

Keep it simple. The fewer changes people must make in their daily routines to recycle, the greater the chances for success. 

Provide sufficient instructions. Label bins or collection boxes with clear information about what to put in -- and what to keep out. Refer to specific company forms and documents by name and number, if necessary (e.g., "Put Req. Form 3503 here."). 

Measure. Keep track of where paper is going: how much of what kinds of paper are being purchased, discarded, and recycled. That will help you establish recycling goals and track their progress. 

Keep building awareness. Market recycling programs through newsletters, posters, e-mail, and company meetings. Let everyone know how the program is going, including how much trash is being saved -- or could be saved -- from landfills. 

Reward and recognize. Give prizes -- or at least recognition -- to individuals and departments doing a good job. Consider offering incentives and motivators, such as prizes or special events, for exemplary recycling efforts. 

Don't rest on your laurels. Keep in mind that even the most successful recycling programs need continuous improvement, fresh thinking, and periodic overhauling. 

Bottom Line. Paper recycling is straightforward and relatively easy to implement and can provide result both in cost reduction and in demonstrating to employees your company's commitment to environmental responsible practices. These days, with many large and small companies recycling at least some office and workplace papers, paper recycling represents a minimum, baseline environmental commitment for a company.