From here, add ink cartridges, glass, packaging materials, old computers, light bulbs, ballasts and other electronics. 5. Recycle water Not only are consumables recyclable, but so are natural resources such as water. Place containers on roofs or cisterns around the facility to gather rainwater to water office plants and other landscaping. Keys To Success Constant vigilance is needed, as overenthu-siastic recyclers can discard non-recyclable items into specific bins, rendering the other-wise recyclable freight useless. In order to stop or minimize wrong bin recycling, follow these easy tips: ■ Color Make sure recycling bins are color-coded and clearly marked. Blue bins should be used for one type of recycling, green for another, etc. And, just like color-coding with microfiber cloths for infection control, keep the color choices consistent throughout the facility. ■ Size Sometimes, selecting bins of different shapes and sizes for each type of recy-clable item overcomes any problem. If there is a single-stream recycling pro-gram in place, make sure the bins have enough capacity. ■ Location Make recycling bins location specific and, going back to the importance of color, make sure they are clearly marked. Bins for collecting metals and cardboard are best kept in a warehouse, while bins for plastic and paper make more sense in an office area or hallway. ■ Education Educate staff members regarding the importance of placing recyclable objects in the correct containers. While many facilities have recycling bins, few emphasize the importance of placing items in the proper receptacles. This is less of a concern for facilities with single-stream varieties, but all involved with a recycling program should be educated on best recycling practices and how their efforts — whether correct, incorrect, mali-cious or well-intended — can contribute to the success or failure of an initiative. With a solid recycling program, compa-nies can reduce their carbon footprint and simultaneously save money. Consistent communication and encour-agement will foster good recycling prac-tices. Establish goals, track the progress of the program and keep workers apprised of the results. As outcomes improve, let everyone know and reward those deemed top recyclers with prizes or other accolades. Competition breeds success, and whether you are recycling in a small office setting or a large school district, planet Earth is banking on the mutual triumph of everyone in their efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. CM TM THE BULB EATER® A LAMP’S WORST NIGHTMARE Visit us at: IFMA World Workplace Booth #150 GreenBuild Booth #4244N Nationwide Recycling Pickups Lamps, Ballasts Batteries, Electronics Lamps, Ballasts, Batteries, Electronics Mail-back Lamp Recycling Just Got Easier Safe – Specially treated box eliminates liners. Faster and safer to load Easy – Bagless box allows for a quick and hassle-free setup Storage – Save space. When it’s full, ship it: it’s pre-paid Sustainable – Automatically receive replacement containers Comprehensive – Recycling reports and certifcates available online Safe, Fast, and Efcient Lamp Disposal Savings – Pre-crushing lamps can cut recycling costs by 50% Storage – Hold up to 1,350 4’ lamps in a single 55 gallon drum Safety – EPA & OSHA Compliant Speed – Crush a 4’ lamp in less than 1 second CFL Premium Crushing Model also available Join over 6,000 satisfed Bulb Eater owners worldwide: www. BulbCrushing .com | 1.800.909.9709 Scan for VaporShield Info Start your program in 3 easy steps: www. RespondGreen .com | 1.888.640.6700 Scan for Video Demonstration Product Information no. 211 on page 24 www.cmmonline.com 19
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