A major portion of the County’s solid waste stream is produced by business and industry. To meet the goals of the Maryland Recycling Act, and the Harford County 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan, recycling programs must be implemented in commercial buildings and institutions as well as in residential neighborhoods.

Harford County’s Office of Recycling has available a three-part guide which offers step-by-step instruction on how to start a recycling program. Part One explains how to establish a waste reduction program. Part Two outlines an eight-step approach to office recycling. Part Three emphasizes the importance of buying recycled products and explains how to start a "Buy Recycled" program.

Other features of the Guide include definitions, work sheets, formulas for estimating quantities of recyclables, sample office recycling policies and examples of employee incentive programs.

The guide can be helpful in enhancing existing waste reduction and recycling programs or to start a new program.

ATTENTION BUSINESS LEADERS

Environmental preservation is an issue of paramount importance to Harford County residents. Citizens want to know that the businesses they patronize recycle.

This is your opportunity to be recognized as a recycling leader in your community by displaying a Partners In Recycling window sticker at your place of business.

Harford County’s Office of Recycling is encouraging all businesses with existing recycling or waste reduction programs to submit the attached questionnaire to qualify as a candidate for membership.

A Commercial/Industrial Recycling Survey Form follows. If you have an existing recycling/waste reduction program, please complete the survey and return it to this office so that we may send you a Partners In Recycling window decal.

If you do not have a recycling/waste reduction program, and would like more information on how to get started, simply fill out the top portion of the enclosed survey and answer yes to question number 11. This is your opportunity for recognition.

An office recycling effort is most effective when used with a comprehensive waste reduction program. Waste reduction means avoiding the generation of waste by using less material, using supplies and equipment more efficiently and buying products that are more durable, easily repairable or recyclable.

Reducing the office waste stream makes economic as well as environmental sense. It saves operating and disposal costs and helps conserve natural resources and energy. Knowing your current waste management practices is important before establishing a new office waste management system. This requires a waste audit, which should be conducted at least once a year.

WASTE AUDIT

A waste audit is a systematic observation of the types of waste generated and thrown away. A typical approach begins by identifying office supplies and examining how they are used. Next, make a determination of the composition of the waste stream by categories (paper, metal, glass, plastic, etc.) From there, identification of potentially recyclable material is established. A completed audit will identify areas where waste can be reduced and will suggest appropriate waste reduction methods.

SIX EFFECTIVE METHODS OF WASTE REDUCTION

Once the waste audit is complete, a program that includes all or a combination of the following waste reduction methods can be implemented. However, any new waste management program will require following a process that encourages management and employee cooperation and allows for ongoing evaluation of the program. When establishing a new waste reduction program use the simple check list below to make sure your program stays on track:

• Establish a waste reduction and recycling policy.
• Ensure top-level management support for your program.
• Publicize your program.
• Educate your staff.
• Start the program.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations of the program.

REDUCE PAPER WASTE

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper represents the largest percentage of material discarded into the waste stream, almost 40 percent. Office wastepaper alone makes up about 10 percent of the total and it is recyclable!

HOW CAN PAPER WASTE BE REDUCED?

• Use double-sided copying whenever possible.
• Use lighter weight papers whenever possible.
• Reduce the number of copies of documents by establishing a centralized filing system.
• Use obsolete forms for drafts and to make memo pads. If no sensitive material is involved, the paper can be donated as drawing paper to child care or similar facilities.
• Reuse interoffice envelopes, file folders and corrugated boxes.
• Eliminate needless forms.
• Eliminate blank spaces and reduce the print size in documents where appropriate.
• Use routing slips or bulletin boards instead of sending individual memos to each employee.
• Prune mailing and distribution lists and reevaluate quantities needed for reports and publications.
• Share documents with staff and other agencies.
• Remove your name from mailing lists for material no longer needed (or share the information with others).
• Use electronic or computer mail.

ESTABLISH AN INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM

Consider establishing an inventory system for frequently purchased products, to avoid wasteful duplication. Offices in the same region can share supplies and buy in bulk quantities to reduce unit costs and to use less packaging.

INFLUENCE SUPPLIERS and MANUFACTURERS

Large organizations can use their purchasing power by developing product specifications that convince suppliers to reduce waste volume and toxicity. Packaging specifications, for example, can require manufacturers to provide recyclable paper or can prohibit inks that contain toxic metals such as lead or cadmium. Manufacturers of automobile or truck batteries can be required to accept used batteries for recycling before buying replacements.

Buyers can make "back-hauling" arrangements with suppliers. Back-hauling requires the vehicle making a shipment of finished products to take used recyclable material back to the manufacturer instead of returning empty.

REUSE MATERIAL/PRODUCTS or DONATE TO REUSE ORGANIZATIONS

Many companies in Maryland reuse materials. These companies receive donations of usable materials from individuals and organizations and sell the materials at reduced rates for reuse. While most of us are familiar with organizations such as AMVETS, Goodwill and Salvation Army, other companies include The Loading Dock (provides reusable construction materials to nonprofit builders) and reStore (provides usable materials such as buttons, zippers and paper to day care centers). Reuse organizations are an available source for accepting unwanted materials and for obtaining usable products at reduced rates.

OFFICE RECYCLING

The economic advantages of commercial recycling are clear. Commercial recycling programs can reduce waste volumes and disposal costs, provide revenue from the sale of recyclable material and reduce operating costs. Recycling provides raw material to make new products and creates jobs in collection, processing and manufacturing. Over time, recycling saves energy and natural resources and can enhance a company’s public image.

Management support for your recycling program is necessary for planning and implementation.

Determine the number of people who will participate and types and amounts of paper generated. A good rule of thumb is that each office employee generates approximately one-half pound of paper each day. The selection of paper to be recycled will depend on local market conditions and types of paper being used in your office. A reputable and experienced recycler can help in determining the types of paper that can be recycled.

Develop an efficient collection system by identifying where recyclables are generated and determine an appropriate container size. Be creative! Design a collection system uniquely suited to your business needs. The most common separation methods for office paper are desk top containers, second trash can, and central collection areas. Each collection receptacle should be clearly labeled for specific recyclable material. Acceptable and unacceptable material should be posted. Most office paper recycling systems use central containers where employees place separated paper from their desk top containers. These central containers are then emptied by janitorial or other personnel and the paper is placed in a larger container for shipment to a paper dealer. The containers should be clearly identified as recycling containers to avoid contamination. Excellent locations for central containers are by copy machines, computer printing areas and other places where large volumes of recyclable paper accumulate.

The program will succeed only if every employee understands the importance of recycling and is motivated to participate. A well-publicized kick off meeting is crucial. Training should continue after the program begins, with frequent reminders. New employees should be trained as part of regular orientation programs.

It is important to periodically publicize the success of your office paper recycling program. Praise and appreciation will encourage increased participation and enthusiasm.