Setting Up Office Paper Recycling Program

History of Paper Recycling

Papermaking.  Paper was invented in China around 2000 years ago and was made from vegetable fibers.  All paper was made by hand until 1799, when the first papermaking machine was invented.  Around 1850, wood fiber started to replace the agricultural fibers.  Today in the U.S., although some paper is made from wood specifically grown for pulp, a large amount of the paper and board is made from the residuals of lumber production-the trimmings, shavings and even sawdust.

Paper Recycling.  The first recorded use of recovered paper to make new paper was in AD in Japan.  Bleaching had not been invented, so the recycled paper was grayish.  It was not until the major effort to recycle during World War I that de-inking occurred in commercial quantities.  The use of recovered paper again increased during World War II and the use of recycled material in printing and writing paper peaked in 1950 at 20%.  Today, much larger quantities of recovered paper go toward corrugated containers and paperboard packaging.

Impact of Office Paper Recycling

The American Paper Institute estimates that as much as 85% of an office building’s waste stream by weight is high-grade recyclable paper.  This means, in essence, that are throwing away tremendous savings and monies each year.  Recovered office paper primarily feeds mills that manufacture tissue, paper towels, and toilet paper, however, the manufacture of recycled bond and printing paper is on the increase.  Many domestic paper mills are under construction and /or retrofitting current equipment to handle the influx of secondary materials.  In addition, much of the office paper recovered in this country is exported to nations that lack the resources required to make paper.  Recovered secondary paper is the second largest item exported out of New York City harbor, and in many western ports ships loaded with waste paper can be found headed for Pacific Rim nations.

Step-by-Step Office Paper Recycling Program

Instituting an office paper recycling program can be a relatively simple task to undertake.  The steps involved are easy and flexible enough to allow for many variations.  Perhaps the most economical and least-complicated system is one where the materials being separated for recycling are done so at the source.  This system is advocated primarily because it involves a change in habit and in mindset.  By having to directly handle what we generate as discards, it makes us think.  It is this thought process that is key to a successful recycling program.  As behavioral changes occur, the spread of office paper recycling is quick and painless.

Step 1: Conduct Office Waste Audit.  The first step initially involves conducting a waste audit to determine precisely what materials should be collected in the program.  Usually orchestrated by the chosen waste paper dealer or municipal recycling representative, it requires some degree of expertise.  If the building being assessed is multitenant, then utilization of ta questionnaire is oftentimes helpful.  The information obtained from these tests assists in determining which recycling system is optimal.

Step 2: Create a Practical Collection System.  The next step is to create a workable collection system.  Since the success of any given office paper recycling program is dependent on employee participation, it is crucial to develop a convenient and simple program.  While many people may be enthusiastic about implementing a recycling program at their place of work, this eagerness will soon dissipate if the system introduced is too complicated.  Convenience is the lifeblood of a healthy office paper recycling program.

Step 3: Keeping Informed of Improvements.  Keeping informed of updates and changes, particularly for the designated recycling coordinators, is equally important for the prosperity of a recycling program.  Thus, attendance and participation in scheduled educational and informational seminars is critical.  Taking the time necessary to learn about the recycling program from the onset helps avoid potential problems and pitfalls later on.

Step 4: Management Support.  Soliciting upper management support for office paper recycling is required to properly implement any corporate program.  This is particularly relevant when it comes to educating employees about recycling.  Oftentimes overlooked, lack of proper training can kill an office paper recycling program later on.  High levels of contamination along with a dropoff in enthusiasm results when training is ignored.  Thus, be committed to properly educating participants about the when, where, why and how of office paper recycling.  Waste paper dealers and/or municipalities can often assist in this area.  Obviously, the best way to encourage and inspire your staff to recycle is by setting a good example yourself.  Show management support and provide detailed information on the advantages of recycling and the procedures of the collection method to ensure a successful program.

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain Interest.  Finally, promote, monitor, and maintain the program on a consistent basis.  Be flexible enough to alter the program if necessary, and provide updates through newsletters, memos, meetings, and/or events.  Promote and advertise the program’s progress to motivate employees and reward those that excel.

Contacting Paper Recycler

Very often privately owned and operated Waste Haulers and Dumpster Rentals businesses offer paper recycling as a part of their service packages.   It may be more cost effective to have an office paper recycler handle some of the collecting & recycling functions.  In many cases, costs can be reduced by consulting with professionals to determine which steps in the process will be done internally and which should be contracted out.   If your organization is located in Texas, for example, you may consider contacting Dallas Roll Off Container Rentals and if your office building is in Washington you may get in touch with Dumpster Rentals in Seattle or Bellevue Dumpster Rentals & Roll Off Services for a free consultation.