Business Recycling

Businesses play an important role in the success of the county's recycling program. Business and industry produce a major portion of the County’s solid waste stream. To meet the goals of the Maryland Recycling Act, and the Harford County 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan, implementation of recycling programs in commercial buildings and institutions as well as in residential neighborhoods are necessary.

Why recycle?

 

Recycling is good for business

 
By recycling you send a message to your customers that your business cares about the community. No business is too big or too small to recycle!

Potential cost savings

 
Recycling means less trash. Less trash means less disposal costs for your business. Recycling can lead to decreases in trash container size and/or the frequency of collection. In some instances, businesses can earn money from recycling. 

Helps the environment

 
Recycling preserves natural resources, conserves energy, and reduces pollution.

Free analysis

Contact the Office of Recycling to set up your free recycling and waste analysis and recycling education presentation. Complete our brief online survey to begin the process.  Businesses and organizations that complete the survey will become a Partner In Recycling and receive recognition for their efforts. Each business or organization will also receive a window decal to display at their location to let customers know that they recycle. 
Recycling Partners Decal

If you have an existing recycling/waste reduction program, please complete the online Business and Institutional Recycling Survey 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.


Tips on starting a waste reduction and recycling program


  • Identify a staff member(s) to coordinate the recycling program.
  • Perform a waste and recycling analysis of your operation or call the Office of Recycling to request a free site visit.
  • Select recycling containers. To ensure success, place recycling bins next to trash bins and make sure that the recycling bins are clearly marked. Recycling bins come in a variety to sizes and styles; select the ones that will best meet your business or organization’s needs.
  • Contact your trash hauler to schedule collection of recyclables. Make sure that the outdoor container is easily identifiable and accessible for the hauler and for staff members taking material out.
  • Inform and educate all staff and customers. Make sure that signage is clearly labeled and visible. To schedule a free recycling outreach presentation for your staff contact the Office of Recycling.
  • Measure program success by looking in recycling and trash bins to determine if people are recycling items correctly. Praise and recognize staff and customers who are participating. If possible, offer incentives to those who participate.

10 simple waste reduction tips


  • Use double-sided copying whenever possible.
  • Close the loop, purchase items made from recycled material.
  • Reuse office supplies such as, interoffice envelopes, file folders, and corrugated boxes.
  • File documents electronically.
  • Purchase items in bulk to minimize packaging waste.
  • Compost food scraps from lunch.
  • Recycle at your business.
  • Remove your name from mailing lists for material no longer needed (or share the information with others).
  • Encourage employees to use reusable items such as water bottles and coffee mug while at work.
  • Buy or purchase only those items that are needed.
More information and tips on waste reduction can be found by downloading Recycling and Waste Reduction for Employees (PDF).