Recycling at Work:Ramsey County Recycles!

Dan DonkersSeptember 5, 2012

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Recycle More!State policy is to significantly increase recycling and organics recovery in metro region by 2030. 2010 recycling = 40%, 2030 goal = 60% 2010 organics = 4%, 2030 goal = 15%

More than half of the gains need to come from commercial sector.

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Key Strategies for Recycling at Work Build Support Know Your Trash and Recyclables Price Your Options Implement Effective Collection System Educate, Inform, Involve, Evolve

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Build Support—Who Controls Success? Upper Management Champion, Coordinator Employees at all levels Custodial Whoever arranges/pays for waste services

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Building Support at Ramsey County County Board commitment Department Heads Property Management Department Facility Managers Custodial

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Knowing Ramsey County’s Recyclables Cardboard, office paper Mixed paper grades Food and beverage containers (metal, glass, plastic) Confidential documents Food waste Plastic packaging Specialty items (nursery waste, mattresses)

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Price Your Options Current Waste Hauler, Separate Service/Market, Self-haul How much separation? Cut taxable waste service, shift cost to tax-free recycling Avoid “evergreen,” inflexible contracts

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Pricing—County Saves with Recycling Recycling bids lower than trash Recycling exempt from tax, CEC “Right Sizing” trash service to need Build in flexibility to easily change service levels—did not want to get locked in to one service/price

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Implement Effective Collection System Consistent look for recycling bins Recognizable, distinguishable Convenience—bin at the point of disposal Trash “buddy” for each recycling bin Labeling, signage

Not This!

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Ramsey County’s Approach Blue = Recycling Clear, concise labeling with pictures Consistent look “brands” recycling

Much better!

Public Space Recycling

Hauler Collection

Recycling at Work: Ramsey County Recycles!

Educating, Informing, Involving, Evolving at Ramsey County Employees announcements Provide yes/no list—what is recyclable? Staff meetings, kick-off events Additional signage where needed Met with custodial staff Maintain, upgrade, replace as needed Adjusting, “right-sizing” service levels Expanding to new materials

Key Lessons Upper level commitment makes it happen Someone has to be in charge Take the time to plan, and be flexible Consistent look, convenience Clear signals and information Cover all the bases, don’t leave anyone out Shrink your trash and save!