In 2020 alone, the UK generated about 40.4 million tonnes of industrial and commercial waste. What’s even sadder is that more than three-quarters of European adults don’t fully understand how recycling works.
We are now facing growing and concerning environmental changes. What you don’t know is that businesses have a vital role in adopting more sustainable practices.
Grow as a green business by following these steps on how to start recycling and understanding its importance.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about contributing to a greener future as a business.
Benefits of Business Recycling
Other than being environmentally responsible, commercial recycling has plenty of other benefits.
One is that it is cost-saving. By redirecting waste from landfills, you can avoid landfill fees. Not only that, but you can also generate revenue by selling your recyclable materials.
Businesses can also get a more positive public image by prioritizing sustainability. This is due to conscious consumerism. Customers are more likely to support environmentally friendly companies.
Recycling also allows you to comply with certain regulations and avoid penalties. After all, many regions have regulations and fines associated with recycling and waste management.
Lastly, recycling also reduces the demand for raw materials. This helps conserve natural resources and minimizes the environmental impact of getting resources.
Steps on How to Start Recycling
If your business is planning to launch a recycling program or improve an existing one, then you’re on the right track to a greener future. To get started on your journey to be a green business, here are some steps you can follow:
1. Assess Your Current Waste
The first step is understanding your current waste generation.
You can do so by conducting a waste audit. This will help you analyze your current waste streams.
It will help you identify the types of materials your business typically generates. Also, you can easily determine if there are any recyclables among them.
Once you’ve identified the recyclables, separate the waste materials that are not recyclable as well. Common recyclables include paper, cardboard, insulation, plastics, clothing, glass, and metals.
Try to quantify the amount of waste that your business produces. You can do this by weighing or estimating the volume of waste your business generated over a specific period.
2. Set Clear Recycling Goals
Now that you know how much waste you generate, it’s time to set your recycling goals. Be sure that your goals are SMART. This means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Of course, your first goal should be to reduce the volume of waste that your business sends to landfills. If your employees tend to use one-time-use cups or utensils at work, encourage them to use reusable ones.
You can also set targets for the percentage of waste that you should recycle. Make sure you establish goals for conserving specific resources through recycling efforts. For instance, saving a percentage of paper or plastic that goes through your business.
3. Create a Recycling Plan
To achieve your goals, you need a consistent and organized plan. Start by determining how your recyclables will be collected within your business.
Consider placing separate recycling containers or bins in your busiest areas. Be sure to establish a good system for sorting your recyclables from your non-recyclables.
Consider designating a storage area for your recyclables. This will make it easier for your recycling service providers to pick them up. Also, be sure to set up a regular pickup and disposal with your recycling service provider.
Educate your employees on what can and cannot be recycled. Train your employees about the recycling program that you plan to set up. Make sure they understand the importance of recycling and the procedures that they need to follow.
4. Choose the Right Recycling Service Provider
When choosing a recycling service provider, be sure to research their reputation. They should have a solid reputation for reliability and environmental responsibility.
You also have to ensure that the provider has the recycling services that you need. For example, service for collection and disposal of specific materials.
You don’t have to settle on the first recycling company you see. Compare the pricing among different providers to ensure that their pricing fits your budget while providing quality service.
Don’t forget to ask about the provider’s commitment to caring for the planet. For instance, reducing emissions and minimizing waste in their operations.
5. Invest in Recycling Infrastructure and Equipment
Consider finding recycling infrastructure and equipment if your business handles recyclables every day. Depending on the waste you typically have, you may need equipment such as baling presses, scrap metal balers, conveyor belts, and sorting lines.
6. Promote a Sustainability Culture
For a recycling program to be effective within a business, it’s important to establish a culture that values sustainability. Try to encourage your employees to share their ideas to improve sustainability and recycling efforts in your company.
Be sure to lead by example and make sustainability one of the core values of your business.
Continuously teach your employees about the environmental impact of recycling. Be sure to also show how it aligns with your company’s values. Consider having incentives or recognition programs for employees who regularly participate in recycling efforts.
7. Evaluate and Improve
Maintain your business recycling program by having regular evaluations. Review your data on waste reduction, recycling rates, and resource conservation. This will help you locate areas that need improvement.
Be sure to get feedback from your customers and employees to enhance your recycling efforts. Consider staying informed about effective and budget-friendly recycling technologies and innovations to improve your program’s efficiency.
Make the Environmental Choice By Being a Green Business
Learning how to start recycling reduces your carbon footprint and can turn into a habit. Creating and implementing a recycling program for your business is a responsible environmental choice. Plus a smart business decision!
Do you know what else is a smart business decision? Investing in Anis custom-made transport and baling solutions for your business! We have channel baling presses, conveyor belts, scrap metal balers, and sorting lines that you’ll surely love.
Contact us today to better understand which equipment works best for your business. You can also directly go to our offices on Motorway Ljubljana-Koper and Regional Road Ljubljana-Kočevje.
