Can I Recycle at My Workplace? Yes, You Can.
Recycling is not one-size-fits-all for every business. Just like a pair of jeans, it has to be appropriate in all the right places. There’s not one single, easy answer that will solve this.
Consider Your Options
Small to mid-size companies may decide to capture beverage cans and bottles only or mixed paper and cardboard. Generally, there are not enough recyclables in smaller offices to make it profitable for a recycling company to come and pick them up. A dedicated staff member, janitorial company or volunteer could simply take those items home for recycling or drop them off at a designated location such as:
- Aluminum Cans for Burned Children drop-offs at fire departments
- Mixed paper drop-offs at the Cleveland Metroparks, city service departments, places of worship, community centers or school parking lots
Drop-offs work best for companies with less than 20 employees. These companies typically do do not have access to a recycling bin from their waste hauler.
If you’re a large company (100+ staff members) or a mid-size company that wants to do more than just capture cans and bottles, it will take a bit more effort to put recycling in place. You’ll need to have a dedicated individual (or two) and be willing to do some research about your company. Get started by gathering:
- Your most current waste and recycling bills
- A copy of your company’s waste hauling contract.