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.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
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Manteo Beach Resort
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Zellers Westbank
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iSight Optometry
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Kelowna Toyota
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The Vacuum Superstore
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OUC Skaha Residence
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Kodiak Drywall
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Kelowna City Hall
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KGH
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Premium Canada Ltd.
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Rayburn's Marine World
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Kelowna Boys and Girls Club
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Rutland Boys and Girls Club
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Purolator Courier
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Lakeside Pharmacy Ltd.
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