The decision on whether to have a single desk side container for paper recycling or trash should be based upon which material is generated in greater quantity. In most offices, the majority of the material will be paper. When you realize that anything made out of paper that is not a tissue product or contaminated by food can be recycled, you quickly see that there is almost no trash generated in a work area. The question becomes: "Why have a garbage can at your desk?" If your workstation should generate large amounts of trash, then make the container at your desk a trash can.

If your office is set up with individual enclosed offices or a floor plan that does not have common areas, then you may want to consider two containers at each desk; one for paper recycling and the other for trash. This does not mean that your cleaning crew has to do twice as much work. Meet with them and decide if they can still clean in one pass by carrying two collection bins with them or separating one bin with multiple bags. If not, employees can simply empty their own containers into a larger central container.

No matter which option you decide to use, it is important to remember that a bigger container for recyclable paper needs to be placed by the copy machines and the printers. Also, do not forget to put a recycling container in the coffee room for all of your glass and plastic bottles and jars. The quantity of beverage and food containers can really add up over the course of a few days.

Now that you are thinking about which type of program you are going to use, it is also time to notify the office of how, what, and when. OCRRA can help with free supplies!

• Send a draft memo to all employees explaining what can be recycled and where.
• Distribute recycling info sheets to all employees. Post in common areas and distribute a copy or e-mail to everyone.
• Label recycling areas and containers with free decals. Click here for order form.
• Send periodic reminders to employees about recycling to keep it fresh in their minds.

Recycling is easy and it does not necessarily need to be expensive to start-up. Use one can and the stickers that OCRRA provides at no cost and you are ready to recycle.

Many companies have avoided large trash disposal costs through aggressive recycling and effective waste reduction strategies.

OCRRA also provides information on disposal of PCB ballasts, fluorescent lights, pallets, hazardous waste, confidential paper shredding, batteries, tyvek envelopes, and paints.