WASTE REDUCTION TIPS

Making waste reduction a everyday practice in your company will help you save money. Here are some department by department ideas for getting started:

MANAGEMENT

Make waste reduction a company policy and provide the support to make it happen. For instance establish a committee to oversee reduction and recycling efforts or offer employees incentives for recommending ways to reduce waste.
Conduct a waste assessment to target opportunities to reduce waste and increase recycling in your company. The Solid Waste District offers free waste assessments for industries. For information, call the District.

SHIPPING & RECEIVING DEPARTMENT

Buy in bulk and ask vendors to eliminate any unnecessary packaging.
Return shipping materials to suppliers for reuse and request that products be shipped in reusable two-way containers.
Monitor and control inventory to prevent the disposal of obsolete or overstocked items.
Shred mixed office paper for use as a packing material.

OFFICES

Make double-sided copies.
Circulate documents rather than making multiple copies or use E-mail.
Utilize a central filing system to reduce the need for multiple copies.
Update mailing lists regularly.
Purchase only paper and other products which can be recycled through your company's recycling program. For instance, if your vending machines dispense paper cups for soda, switch to a machine which dispenses aluminum cans.
Replace styrofoam cups with ceramic coffee mugs.

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Use and maintain durable equipment and supplies.
Replace paper towels with cloth towel dispensers.
Purchase cleaning supplies in bulk, concentrate or in refillable containers.
Rent equipment that is only used occasionally.
Exchange or sell surplus and reusable items through a materials exchange. Waste exchanges are listed under "Industrial Waste Exchanges" in this directory.
Donate unneeded goods or materials. Call the Solid Waste District to receive a copy of Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff which lists local nonprofit organizations that accept donations.

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

Purchase recycled products. For a list of vendors, contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Recycling at (614) 265-6333.