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Human Resources Expert Expert: Margaret Lobenstine
Recycling and your business
Q: My wife and I are active recyclers at home. This morning she asked if I had my small business recycling. I realized I have no idea how to approach this or whether it even makes sense on the company level. Any ideas?
A: As someone who specializes in working with business people with a variety of interests, I've spoken to many entrepreneurs interested in helping the planet, as well as in marketing their products and services. They have shown me recycling definitely makes sense for business.
There are the easy steps: making sure recyclable paper, especially at the copy machines, gets separated out for reuse; ensuring cardboard boxes get recycled; and being sure employees are provided with separate waste cans for saving recyclable soda bottles, etc.
Then there's recycling whatever waste products your company may generate. There are numerous organizations that will convert what you don't need into something usable by another business. Sometimes they'll even pay you! For example, there's a company in Massachusetts, Summit Electronics Recycling, which has a Looking For section on its Web site that reads: "We're always looking for great deals on Closeouts, Liquidations, I.C's Videos, Hardwares, and Softwares. Please email or fax your list."
Also there is the option of donating computers, office furniture, etc. that may not serve your needs any more (but are still quite functional) to charities. This gives you a tax deduction and them a big help! Hope this gets you started and your question inspires others!
Editor's Note: To read an article about setting up an office recycling program, click here.
There are the easy steps: making sure recyclable paper, especially at the copy machines, gets separated out for reuse; ensuring cardboard boxes get recycled; and being sure employees are provided with separate waste cans for saving recyclable soda bottles, etc.
Then there's recycling whatever waste products your company may generate. There are numerous organizations that will convert what you don't need into something usable by another business. Sometimes they'll even pay you! For example, there's a company in Massachusetts, Summit Electronics Recycling, which has a Looking For section on its Web site that reads: "We're always looking for great deals on Closeouts, Liquidations, I.C's Videos, Hardwares, and Softwares. Please email or fax your list."
Also there is the option of donating computers, office furniture, etc. that may not serve your needs any more (but are still quite functional) to charities. This gives you a tax deduction and them a big help! Hope this gets you started and your question inspires others!
Editor's Note: To read an article about setting up an office recycling program, click here.
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