The many ways to recycle and reuse

Spring is just around the corner, and we're going to want to clean up. What better way to do it than by using the many ways to recycle and reuse! Sound complicated? We're going to try to simplify recycling in the workplace. What I've noticed is that we need to... educate to recycle better and even save everyone time. Because, yes, by establishing a solid environmental policy, you will even save time for housekeeping staff who could use that time more wisely.

Identify recycling containers

First, plan your recycling containers for easy retrieval. For example, by having several suitable recycling bins like those from Rubbermaid, for example. And most importantly, identify your containers in words and images (see image below). Staff will need to be educated to do better recycling. Unfortunately, housekeeping staff don't have time to start recycling every garbage or recycling basket. Recycling at the source must therefore be made easier. Also, reducing the space available for garbage to increase recycling spaces will benefit each personal office.

Involving staff in environmental policy

Engaging employees by demonstrating the results and improvements in recycling will be effective. For example, you could create indicators of quantities recycled per month (by weight or number of transparent bags specialized for this type of recycling). The more your employees see the result, the more involved they will be!

In the hallways, make things easier by placing bins for everything you can recycle, clearly labeling them. Everything in this image can easily be recycled. Compost, metal, and glass could be kept in the cafeteria only.

• The compost bin could be emptied by housekeeping every other day, and the metal and glass bins once a week. Of course, staff will need to be trained to rinse their containers, just as they do at home.
• Batteries could be at the entrance (and drained once every 3 months)
• And finally, paper, cardboard and plastic, in the corridors.
• The last 3 bins could be collected when the bins are half full.
• Electronic waste could, on the other hand, be put in the warehouse if you have one.

Do you see that you could even save the housekeeping employee's time that could be better used cleaning, disinfecting and taking care of areas they have less time for? 

Making the work of housekeeping employees easier

Now that we've worked to improve recycling, it also needs to be easy for housekeeping employees, which is often not the case. What we see in the field is that everything is mixed together in the compost bin: recycling, scraps, plastic, etc. Don't expect employees to start sorting in this case! We'll therefore need to plan the layout of their collection bins. That, too, can be purchased.

And very importantly, for compost, use the composting bags. You can't put the compost directly into the bin, nor can you use garbage or recycling bags. Now you're wondering if they're effective? I use them myself and I'm in luck! There's no more bad smell and everything stays very clean. Excellent innovation!

Are we obliged to throw away?

Finally, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that there are a whole range of ideas for transforming your old tires and plastic bottles. Don't see any judgment here, but you could make many young and old happy by participating in these transformations!

• Tires:  Transform them into a chair, table, children's games, swing, plant pot, etc.
• Large plastic bottles:  Turn them into containers for flowers.
• Transforming metal scrap: Artists create magnificent works using metal in particular. Did you know? Metal is infinitely recyclable, even when it's dirty!

Where to find these best ideas?

Pinterest, doing a Google search, personal websites, etc.