HOW TO GET STARTED:

1. DESIGNATE A RECYCLING COORDINATOR. Someone should be responsible for planning and implementing the recycling program in your business. A recycling committee or team of volunteers should be formed to assist the coordinator.
2. CONDUCT A WASTE AUDIT. Look at your waste stream. A close inspection of trash cans and dumpsters will help you determine the types and amounts of waste materials generated by your business or institution.
3. DECIDE WHAT TO RECYCLE. In addition to the required materials, you should also consider recycling any other items that you generate in substantial amounts, which can be reused or recycled. Utilizing a local or regional Waste Exchange may enable you to divert unusual materials that are specific to your business.
4. CONTACT LOCAL WASTE HAULERS. Find out what recycling services they offer and how much these services will cost.
5. RESEARCH MARKETS. Decide if you generate enough material to market your recyclables directly or if they should be brought to a recycling facility. Market lists are available from the UCRRA: (845) 336-3336 and from the NYD Department of Economic Development: (518) 486-6291.
6. SET UP A COLLECTION SYSTEM. You will need to figure out how to get recyclables from the point of generation (desk, cafeteria, etc.) to a storage area where the materials will be kept until they are brought to a recycling center or market.

   Various types and sizes of recycling containers are commercially available for collecting office paper. Depending on the collection system, you may need one or more of the following:

• Desk-top or desk-side boxes
• Recycling bins that stack or nest (14 to 20 gallons)
• Wheeled recycling carts (65 to 100 gallons)
• Tilt trucks or hampers
• Gaylord boxes (triple-walled cardboard boxes, about 4'x4'x4', that fit on a pallet).

  If you use a commercial hauler, please check to be sure that your recycling system is compatible with your hauler’s collection system.

  Recycling containers should be clearly labeled and easily accessible (labels are available from the UCRRA at no charge). Recycling bins should be located near, and be visibly different from, trash cans.

  Be sure to include the custodial staff in planning recycling systems and equipment purchases.

7. EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES. For recycling to work, everyone must participate, from the custodian to the chief executive. Everyone must know what, where, how, and when to recycle.

• Let staff know well in advance when the program will be starting and what is expected o them.
• Recycling instructions and clearly posted signage will help make recycling easier.
• Follow-up reports of participation rates and volumes recycled help keep interest high. Ask for suggestions on program improvement and waste reduction ideas.
• Roles and responsibilities for recycling, collection, monitoring, and education should be clearly defined. Recycling should be stated company policy, signed and endorsed by the CEO.
• The recycling coordinator should be given the authority needed to implement the program. This is very important for success.