A national initiative of Keep America Beautiful Updated April 2015

Raising Visibility for Recycling in the Workplace The Opportunity 35 to 45% of municipal solid waste is generated in the workplace according to US EPA, much of which is recyclable

Overall Objective Through encouraging businesses and institutions to take pledge 10% Increase workplace recycling by

Pledge Purpose Increase recycling of workplace generated materials by challenging organizations and businesses to voluntarily: Pledge to increase recycling by 10% Engage employees to recycle more at work Review procurement practices Agree to track actions Invite another organization to take the pledge

Take the Pledge We invite you to take the pledge

Priority Items for Recycling * Note: Municipal waste only – not manufacturing, hazardous etc. Bottles/Cans Paper products Electronics Batteries Light bulbs Plastic film Food scrape

Who’s Eligible? Businesses/commercial entities Government agencies Schools Colleges & Universities Hospitals and other institutions

Getting Started Take the Pledge and Become a Pledge Partner Review 10-Step Action Plan Realize Pledge Partner Benefits

Recycling at Work Benefits Boost employee morale by engaging them in a cause with environmental, social and economic benefits Employees who feel they can make an impact on social and environmental issues while on the job are twice as satisfied with work as those who don’t. - Net Impact Study: “What Workers Want in 2012″ More than 80 percent of US workers polled said they believe it is important to work for a company or organization that makes the environment a top priority. - National Geographic survey, February percent of consumers think companies should try to accomplish their business goals while still trying to improve society and the environment. - “Second Annual Public Opinion Poll on Sustainability” by Do Well, Do Good LLC

Recycling at Work Benefits Receive special discounts on recycling bins.

Recycling at Work Benefits Access free tools, tips and customizable templates to support your workplace recycling program Tools & Resources Employee Engagement Materials (like our dynamic recycling “Myth Busters” presentation) Employee Recognition Fact Sheets Media Promotion Online Promotion Recycling poster Customizable signage for recycling bins

Recycling at Work Benefits Exchange ideas and best practices with other Pledge Partners Monthly waste reduction/recycling tip Sharing of new research on how to increase recycling

Research Objectives: KAB undertook a research project to test the impact of recycling and trash bin configurations on recycling in the workplace. Metrics - Increase recycling - Reduce trash in the recycling bins - Reduce recyclables in the trash bins

Partners

Four Set ups tested 1) Little trash bin with desk sized recycling bin 2) Equal size trash and recycling bins 3) Recycling bin only 4) Information only

Conclusion: Little Trash Most Successful – Increased correct disposals – Decreased recyclables in the trash from 29% to 13% –Decreased recycling bin contamination by 20%

Recommendations and Resources 1.Make recycling easy 2.Use effective placement 3.Be consistent Fact sheet and other resources

Open Discussion Q: What tools/resources might your organization need to help increase workplace recycling? Q: What forms of recognition are most valuable to your organization?

Pledge Opportunity Join over 900 pledge partners

Feedback? [Local contact name] [Organization] [ ] [Phone] Brenda Pulley Keep America Beautiful