It doesn't have to be complicated! Check out these recycling tips for offices in Rockland County.

Why Recycle at Work?

• It's the law. Recycling isn't optional – businesses need to follow Rockland County recycling rules.
• Save money. Proper recycling can actually lower your waste disposal costs.
• Avoid fines. Stay compliant with local regulations and avoid penalties.
• Protect our environment. Reduce landfill waste and help conserve valuable natural resources.

Rockland Green oversees waste management in Rockland County. The recycling process emphasizes two main categories of items that our communities must recycle. For offices and worksites, they are:

1. Mixed Paper

• Office paper and file folders
• Newspapers and magazines
• Junk mail and envelopes
• Catalogs and paper bags
• Corrugated cardboard

All those delivery boxes and packaging from office supply deliveries need to be sorted properly. And remember – boxes must be flattened and broken down.

2. Mixed Containers
After snacks and team lunches, make sure to place the following with recyclables:

• Glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum and steel cans
• Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and lids
• Cartons (think milk or juice containers)

Always empty and rinse containers and remove their caps before tossing them in the recycling bin!

What Isn’t Recyclable at Work?

To name a few, please toss the following items in your office trash:

• Plastic bags
• Plastic utensils
• Styrofoam

If you have other questions about what goes in the trash or recycling, check your items in our easy-to-use “What Goes Where?” database.

Simple Steps for Office Recycling

Now that you know what needs to be recycled, here are easy steps to rally your coworkers to make it work at work.

1. Best Bet: Schedule a Business Recycling Assistance Visit

This is the most comprehensive option to take away any guessing on how your office, building, and operations can recycle, reduce waste, avoid fines, and save on costs. Rockland Green will evaluate your current recycling methods and help you develop the most efficient and least complicated program.

Click here to schedule the visit.

2. See What and How Much Your Business Throws Out or Recycles

Inspect what’s in your bins, garbage barrels, and dumpsters. How much is mixed paper, containers, scrap metal, appliances, and general trash? What is the ratio of trash to recyclables? This information can help you align or modify services with your hauler service.

Recommendation: Do these waste inspections periodically and log the information to track the efficiency of your waste stream and recycling program.

3. Partner With the Right Hauler

Review your existing hauling agreement to determine the entire scope of hauling services included in your current contract – and check if recyclable pick-up is included. Also, ask about the cost per pickup and if there’s extra cost for extra pickups.

Make sure your hauler follows Rockland County's specific recycling requirements.

Meanwhile, discuss with your hauler the most efficient path forward in scheduling and collecting your recyclables – what kind of containers or dumpsters you need outside your office, the frequency of pickups, and so on.

4. Set Up Foolproof Bins Around the Workplace

Color code your bins for each category:

• Blue Bin – Mixed Paper*
• Green Bin – Commingled Containers
• Black/Gray Bin – Trash

Easy, strategic bin placement is key. Think of designated areas to place each grouping of bins in open floorplan spaces, photocopy areas, conference rooms, kitchen and dining areas, and restrooms. The same goes for placing bins outside in recreational areas, loading docks, and other functional spaces.

As an extra reminder for coworkers, consider printing signage and decals for your bins listing or showing the actual items that belong in each bin.

*For shredded paper, place the shreds in a paper bag before placing them in a blue bin for hauler pickup.

5. Build Internal Support & Lead By Example

As you develop a recycling program, consider including recycling as a stated company policy endorsed by the business owner or CEO, as well as senior management. You may even wish to assign an employee or small group as the recycling point people to make sure best practices are being followed.

Once you have a recycling program, spend ten minutes at the end of a team meeting to explain it. Share why it matters. You might need more than one meeting to cover everything! Make sure you include custodial staff in these updates.

Above all, actions speak louder than words. If you are senior management or leading the recycling charge, make sure you are practicing what you preach.

6. Reduce Office Waste Like It’s Second Nature

Reducing how much you waste can greatly benefit your recycling program, as well as save on costs for supplies.

Take a good look at the supplies you are buying. Check how much you are using. Also, see how much you are throwing away or leaving forgotten on a shelf or in a closet.

After your waste assessment, establish a baseline of how much of each supply material you need before ordering more. This may also mean cancelling automated supply subscriptions until further notice.

Other waste optimization tips include:

• Use rechargeable batteries for computer mice, keyboards, and other appliances.
• Use re-usable mugs, dishware, and utensils in the dining areas and coffee stations.
• Save paper by printing on both sides. Also, instead of print-outs, review documents online through email, Slack, and other online communication tools.

Be an All-Star in Rockland County Business Recycling

Check out our comprehensive Rockland Green Recycling Guidelines for businesses. You can also contact us with any questions and to schedule a Business Recycling Assistance Visit.

By following these simple steps, you can help your community and create a workplace culture that values sustainability. Your small actions today add up to purposeful environmental impact tomorrow!