WasteWise@Work

Quick Waste Prevention Tips for Most Businesses

Reducing paper usage and reducing packaging/shipping materials are two waste prevention opportunities that most businesses can implement easily and effectively.

Reducing Paper Use:
  • Use both sides of the page. Draft reports can be printed on the back of paper that has been used once. Set aside such paper for printers and copy machines.
  • Make double-sided photocopies.
  • Print only the number of copies necessary. Limit the distribution of correspondence and reports to only those who really need hard copies. Route one hard copy to several readers.
  • Use electronic mail or bulletin boards for sending and receiving information.
Reducing Packaging/Shipping Materials
  • Eliminate unnecessary layers of packaging.
  • Ask suppliers to take back pallets or switch to more durable pallets that can be reused.
  • Investigate other reusable packaging, such as boxes.
  • Reuse received boxes and packaging for outgoing shipments.
  • Shred or crumple waste paper for use as packing material.

Program Information

Wastewise@work is a free service offered by the Regional Waste Reduction Office to help businesses implement or improve recycling programs in the workplace. A staff member from the Waste Reduction Office will visit your workplace to do a brief visual waste audit, followed by a written report. This is a quick and simple way for you to discover waste reduction opportunities available to your business and to learn which options are most suitable to employ.

Studies have shown that customers, employees and the public regard businesses that implement waste reduction programs more favorably than businesses that do not, particularly when these actions are voluntary. By presenting yourself as a leader in waste reduction, you'll encourage other companies and people to do the same. And you'll likely save money too!

To learn about other businesses that have participated in the Wastewise@work program, view our newsletters.

Contact Information

Simply call the Waste Reduction Office at (250) 469-6250 or email us at recycle@cord.bc.ca to arrange an appointment for a free waste audit.

Commercial Directory

View the Commercial Directory for a list of companies and organizations that accept various commercial materials for disposal, reuse or recycling, as well as recycling tips specific to the following industries:

Do you have an item that you consider trash, but wonder if it could be another businesses treasure? For more information, visit the Recycling Council of BC website (click the Resource tab and select 'RCBC MEX') or view information in our Commercial Directory.

How do I recycle at work?

Do you want to start a recycling program at work, but don't know where to start? Do you want to recycle more and lower your operating costs?

To start a recycling program in your workplace, you can either call the Waste Reduction Office to book a free waste audit (its quick and simple), or you can do it on your own. If you prefer the self-help option, follow the steps below to get started.

Quick Steps to Get You Started:

  1. Put someone in charge
    A team leader, committee or dedicated individual can oversee the following steps to get the program going and keep it going.
  2. Find out what's in your garbage
    Take a look at what materials are entering your waste stream and determine if any of them can be recycled instead.
  3. Organize pick-up or delivery of your recyclables
    Arrange to have someone deliver recyclables to the nearest depots, or hire one of the following private companies to take it for you:
    • BFI (250) 765-0565
    • Kelowna Recycling (250) 864-3563
    • Lexco Recycling Services (250) 868-9465
    • Metro Materials Recovery (250) 491-2242
    • Orchard Valley Disposal (250) 868-2424
    • Waste Management (250) 861-8788
    • Valley Pro Recycling (250) 717-6056
  4. Design a program that works
    Once you've figured out what can be collected and by whom, decide where to place collection bins and how they will be emptied. Keep the program simple and convenient to ensure participation from all employees.
  5. Educate staff
    Your employees need to know how to participate in the program. Posters with simple graphic instructions and a strong communication program are key to success.
  6. Start the program
    Have a meeting, or host a special kick-off event such as a luncheon or even a party to launch the program. Invite your clients.
  7. Monitor and expand the program
    Make sure the program is working, that recycling bins are emptied regularly and not being contaminated with garbage, and that questions or concerns are addressed promptly. Be flexible and make changes to the program as needed. Communicate to everyone involved.

    You can also view the Commercial Recycling Directory for recycling program tips specific to the following industries:

Toot Your Own Horn

Have you successfully implemented a waste reduction program at work, or made improvements to an existing program? Would you like to share your story with other businesses?  We'd like to hear from you. Email us at recycle@cord.bc.ca.

Newsletters

Participating Businesses

The businesses and organizations listed below are some of those which have participated in the WasteWise@Work program.  Hats off to all those who are making a difference in the workplace.  Click to view the full list of Central Okanagan businesses and groups that are participating in the Wastewise@work program.

Manteo Beach Resort

Zellers Westbank

iSight Optometry

Kelowna Toyota

The Vacuum Superstore

OUC Skaha Residence

Kodiak Drywall

Kelowna City Hall

KGH

Premium Canada Ltd.

Rayburn's Marine World

Kelowna Boys and Girls Club

Rutland Boys and Girls Club

Purolator Courier

Lakeside Pharmacy Ltd.

 
Home | Disclaimer |
Privacy Statement 		Copyright RDCO © 2004 | Designed and Developed by  OK Computer Solutions  OK Computer Solutions
Get Acrobat Reader
Top