| A recycling program should be designed
to be as easy and convenient for employees/tenants as possible. In
order to make a recycling program effective, a thorough analysis of
the waste stream (or potential waste stream) for the business or building
needs to be undertaken. This study will involve estimating quantities
and types of collected materials (see Guidelines below) and evaluating
available markets for these materials. Locating a recycling service
provider (see Resources below) and determining the disposal costs
should also be part of the study. Soliciting bids from several service
providers can help ensure that a competitive rate is secured.
The waste stream analysis will also include planning for the collection
and storage of these materials - both inside and outside the building.
Containers located outdoors must be covered to minimize the chance
of pilfering, contamination, and being damaged by the weather. Covered
containers also help maintain a neat appearance for the recycling
area.
Once this initial analysis is complete, designers need to incorporate
the plan into the overall design or renovation of the building as
early as possible, including allocating space for collection containers
and considering how the materials will be transported to the outside
collection area. Designers should consider where the materials would
be generated in order to locate convenient central collection containers.
Spaces such as copy centers, break rooms, receiving and shipping
areas, and loading docks should be given special attention when
planning for collection and storage.
Desktop or desk-side bins are normally placed at employees' desks
for the collection of office paper. Collection containers for other
recyclables such as newspaper, corrugated cardboard, magazines,
office paper, etc., should be placed in a central location. Bins
for glass, tin, aluminum, and plastic food and beverage containers
should be located in the employee break rooms and kitchen areas.
Bins are usually emptied into larger, central collection containers,
either by employees or maintenance staff. Indoor common-area collection/storage
areas should be designed in accordance with appropriate City of
Austin fire and/or safety codes. Interior storage and collection
containers of various sizes (including 13 quart desk side boxes,
32 gallon central collection containers, and 96 gallon wheeled collection
carts) are available. Containers can be made of cardboard, plastic,
or metal. When selecting containers, look for recycled content products.
Commercial cabinetry is available with recycling centers or custom
cabinetry can be designed to accommodate recyclables. Exterior recyclables
storage areas should be designed in accordance with City of Austin
requirements for solid waste enclosures.
Central collection containers (usually located outdoors or on the
loading dock) are often made of metal or plastic and must have tight
fitting lids. Manually emptied containers include 30 - 100 gallon
wheeled collection carts. Vehicle-emptied containers, such as dumpsters,
range in size from 3 to 12 cubic yards and require a concrete pad
and vehicle access. Overhead clearances for tipping and truck turning
radiuses may also have to be considered. In addition, for areas
with high volume collection, mechanical compactors and balers require
electricity and operator training.
The next steps involve planning for employee education and promotion
of the recycling program. Finding the right person to be the facility's
recycling coordinator is a key element to the program's success.
Early involvement of employees/tenants is also a key component.
Consider inviting employees/tenants to an information meeting or
asking them to serve on the recycling committee. A continuing education
program is essential to convey information on how the program works
- this could be part of new employee/tenant orientation. In order
to close the recycling loop, implement plans for purchasing products
made from recycled content materials. |