No single waste management strategy is suitable for managing all waste streams in all situations (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)). As such, EPA’s non-hazardous materials and waste management hierarchy ranks the various waste management strategies from most to least environmentally preferred. Not surprisingly, the hierarchy emphasizes reducing and reusing—followed by recycling—as best practices for sustainable materials management, when possible.

While the best way to reduce waste is to never create it, recycling is a valuable way to collect used, reused, or unused items that would otherwise be considered waste and turn them into something valuable. From Fortune 500 companies to local businesses, to the restaurant on the corner—all have materials that can and should be recycled. The five tips below offer best practices for effectively managing your recycling efforts.

1. Conduct a trash audit.

A trash audit is a process in which an organization systematically analyzes and evaluates the contents of its waste, typically by sorting through the trash to identify the types and quantities of materials being discarded. This in-depth process provides a good baseline in developing a Recycling Program, as it helps to document the contents and quantity of your waste streams and then allows you to define how that waste gets managed.The audit helps to answer questions such as: What are you throwing away? How much is wasted food? Can you separate that out and send it to a composter? Can you stop making that trash? Can you reuse something? Can you sell it to someone else? Can you recycle it?

While not all trash can be reused or repurposed, it is consistent with EPA’s hierarchy to identify the materials produced that can be reused or repurposed as the first and most sustainable waste management solution (e.g., some tools can be sent back to the manufacturer to be refurbished and resold, or there may also be a “second life” outlet for materials). If materials are not able to be reused, the next best consideration is recycling.

2. Understand state and local regulations.

Once your trash audit identifies what items you want to recycle, it is important to consider the regulations. Different states and local governments may have specific requirements for the materials you want to recycle. For example, many states have compliance requirements for electronic wastes, used oil, or other universal wastes. In addition, EPA has very specific requirements for solid and hazardous waste recycling to ensure it is managed properly to avoid environmental and safety hazards. Engage experts, where necessary, if you have questions about certain materials that may have very specific or unclear requirements. 

3. Implement a Recycling Program.

Based on the trash audit and regulatory requirements, a Recycling Program can be developed to serve as the roadmap for what gets recycled and how. The Recycling Program should clearly:

• Define what materials get recycled.
• Discuss proper disposal of materials, focusing on the most common items employees would handle in their day-to-day tasks.
• Identify collection points, so employees understand where to put items for recycling.
• Detail storage procedures for recyclable materials.
• Outline roles and responsibilities, including the parties responsible for recycling (see below).
• Provide for worker training to ensure the program is followed as intended.
• Reinforce the purpose of recycling and leadership’s commitment to the cause.
• Address how the program will be communicated to visitors, contractors, customers, shareholders, etc.

4. Partner with the right recyclers.

An important part of your Recycling Program is finding reputable recyclers who understand recycling regulations and are certified to handle the materials you are generating. This means working with recyclers who are transparent. Recyclers who are open about their practices are less likely to mishandle your recyclables than shady operators who could end up getting your company in a lot of trouble. Your recycler should help you identify the best ways to recycle your materials (e.g., setting up separate dumpsters for paper, plastic, food) and identify whether there are any cash-back opportunities for recycling certain materials (e.g., cardboard, scrap metal, electronic waste, etc.).

5. Maintain safe storage and handling practices.

As noted above, a trash audit will help you know what you are recycling. You also need to know how to properly store these materials while they are waiting to be recycled so they do not become a bigger hazard. For example, keep batteries for recycling in cool, dry places away from heat.

Conduct a proper risk assessment for the proposed storage spaces to capture and mitigate potential risks before finalizing your choice, document this in your Recycling Program, and then train employees on how to safely handle the material they are bringing to the recycling area. Precautions may include having the proper fire detection and suppression equipment for the area where you are storing material for recycling, or ensuring employees have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear when handling materials.

Creating a Recycling Culture

The above five tips can help ensure you have the systems, practices, programs, and partners in place to manage your trash and recycling. By following them, organizations can streamline their waste management processes, comply with environmental standards, and promote resource conservation and cost savings. But to truly become a “recycling superstar”, it is also important that you:

• Avoid all or nothing thinking—set realistic goals for what you can accomplish while still complying with regulations.
• Implement robust quality control processes to avoid making mistakes.
• Think creatively about how your team can work together reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle your trash and get closer to zero waste.
• Measure your results. Conduct your trash audits annually to assess what is working and what is not and then set new goals to continually improve.

Effective waste management and recycling are essential for organizations striving to operate sustainably and reduce their environmental impacts. Ultimately, fostering a culture of creativity, continuous improvement, and accountability will lead organizations closer to their zero-waste goals, benefiting the environment and the bottom line.