Keeping a Recycling Program at Work Working!

Sustaining a workplace recycling program takes ongoing effort. Employees make a recycling program happen. They are a recycling program's most valuable asset. Educate employees, talk up the recycling program, and get the word out. Communicate positively, clearly, and often. Consider these tips:

Use "recycling champions" - Identify employees that are enthusiastic about the program and let them help you sell it to the other employees. Get employee input - Survey employees about the program. What's working? What's not? What would improve participation? Recognize employees that provide exceptional efforts to the program. Include everyone - Ensure that the program is not dependent on one "champion" to succeed. A recycling program needs the participation of all employees. Set up recycling teams - Form teams among departments, floors, or company divisions. Organize competitions to determine which team is recycling the most. This will help spread the word about the program and generate enthusiasm.

Include information in employee orientation materials - Incorporate the company recycling guidelines into new employee orientation materials and presentations.

Keep up communication - Employee education is an ongoing activity. Don't let up. Keep it short, positive, and engaging. Use a variety of communications tools:

• Email recycling tips and reminders
• Post or distribute flyers
• Organize company-wide or division recycling education seminars
• Post signage in and around employee common areas
• Create incentives - Motivate employees with contests and rewards for achieving recycling goals.
• Make it fun - Create incentives and rewards to motivate employees.