Workplace Recycling Presentation to Federal Environmental Symposium East June 16, 2009

Workplace Recycling Workplace Recycling

Outline Introduction Introduction Workplace Recycling Workplace Recycling Key Elements Key Elements Success Success Tools Tools DOJ Pilot DOJ Pilot Next Steps Next Steps

The Workplace Workplaces have 80 to 90% recyclable waste streams. Workplaces have 80 to 90% recyclable waste streams. Paper (up to 1.39 lbs/per person/day) Paper (up to 1.39 lbs/per person/day) Beverage Containers (3 per person/day) Beverage Containers (3 per person/day).59 lbs.59 lbs

Key Elements Data and Baselines Waste Audit Contract Audit Procurement Policies Space Assessments Continuous Monitoring Educate and Motivate Regular & consistent Designated Person Designated Person or Team Assess your programs Assess your programs Solid Waste Haulers Solid Waste Haulers Recycling Collectors Recycling Collectors Know Markets Know Markets Collection Collection What? How? What? How? Communications Communications Bins, labeling Bins, labeling

Workplace Recycling Keys to Success National Office Paper Recycling Project US Conference of Mayors National Office Paper Recycling Project US Conference of Mayors July 2001 Report: Pilot Multi-Tenant Office Paper Recycling Program Evaluation

Workplace Recycling Keys to Success Building Management and Agency Commitment Orientation Sessions with tenants, custodians and participants

Workplace Recycling Keys to Success Attractive Permanent Recycling Bins Continuous Improvement Ongoing follow through and education and communication with tenants Ongoing follow through and education and communication with tenants

Operational Strategies Keys to Success Clearly Define Roles & Responsibilities Utilize Hands On Approach Regular Follow-Up Program Maintenance Provide Adequate & Accessible Storage

Operational Strategies Keys to Success Consider permanent desk-side bins Ensure Signage remains in place Provide Consistent Service over time

EPA Tools Available WasteWise WasteWise Business Guide for Reducing Business Wastes Business Guide for Reducing Business Wastes

EPA Tools Available Paper Website Paper Website Office Carbon Footprint Calculator Office Carbon Footprint Calculator

Other Tools Available Sustainable Office Toolkit Sustainable Office Toolkit Earth 911 for business Earth 911 for business AF&PA recycling/ AF&PA recycling/ recycling/ recycling/

DOJ Pilot GOAL: improve workplace recycling GOAL: improve workplace recycling Last year we asked for volunteers at FES-East Last year we asked for volunteers at FES-East DOJ, DOI and DOC volunteered DOJ, DOI and DOC volunteered DOJ was selected for first phase DOJ was selected for first phase Got baseline on trash and recycling Got baseline on trash and recycling Working with three DOJ buildings Working with three DOJ buildings 1 control 1 control 1 with messages 1 with messages 1 with messages plus follow up messaging 1 with messages plus follow up messaging

Table Tents

Posters and Flyers

Next Steps  Pilot concludes the summer  Results this fall  Expand to DOI and others  Phase 2 will involve testing different kinds of messaging (emotional v. scientific)

Workplace Recycling Workplace Recycling

For more information Kent Foerster (703) Ron Vance (703)