Setting Up A Program

Getting Management and Organizational Support

How do you get businesses in your jurisdiction - or managers in your company - to support recycling and waste prevention? Unfortunately there is no magic formula or even a clear step-by-step process. Each business, public agency, or school will be different but securing management support is the best way to establish organizational support. This support will in turn result in an effective waste reduction program.

In order to be convinced to act, management will need information about the costs and benefits of waste reduction. Pointing out to management how waste reduction contributes to efficiency will bolster the argument. Implementing a waste reduction program is also an opportunity for management to show its commitment to environmental responsibility. Management should initiate and promote a company waste reduction program in such a way that employees are engaged and support it.

Sell the Program

Information about the financial and environmental benefits will help you "sell the program." Economic benefits, including the potential for savings on waste prevented and disposal costs, and the possibility of generating income from properly sorted recyclables. Analyze your Waste Stream and Calculate Savings have tools to help you get this information.

Select a Waste Reduction Coordinator

Select an organized, enthusiastic, creative person to coordinate waste management and/or waste reduction activities. Consider someone who is interested in environmental matters and has some knowledge about solid waste management and recycling. The Coordinator should be someone who communicates well with co-workers, and who can dedicate enough time in the immediate future to establish an effective program. The Coordinator must also have the authority or ability to cause the program to be implemented.

The Waste Management Coordinator's primary responsibilities might include:

• Analyzing the waste stream by conducting waste evaluation, "walk-throughs," interviews with staff, etc.
• Identifying opportunities to prevent waste by purchasing reusable, durable, and repairable equipment and supplies. Working with suppliers to reduce packaging.
• Selecting and/or working with a franchised collector or private recycling company and setting up a convenient and efficient collection system for targeted materials.
• Promoting waste reduction opportunities in the workplace and educating employees.
• Monitoring, evaluating, and changing the system as needed.
• Networking with other businesses and local government staff, attending training and seminars on waste management and waste reduction if possible, and subscribing to waste management publications.

Form a Committee or Green Team

The Coordinator should form a committee with representatives from key departments, such as purchasing, receiving, and maintenance, to discuss how to best implement waste reduction at your workplace. Include fellow employees in the development of the program, including department heads and support staff. The broader the base of support and enthusiasm, the greater your chances of cooperation and success.

Develop a Plan

The Plan should include clear goals, steps to achieve the goals, evaluation mechanisms, and the ability to improve the program once it is in place. Start small--tackle one thing at a time but create a process that will allow you to expand your efforts. Future expansion could include adding materials to the recycling program, implementing waste prevention strategies, and including the efficient use of energy, water, or other natural resources.

Track and Evaluate Your Efforts

An important part of securing both management and organizational support is to keep track and evaluate the results of your efforts. This will mean knowing the costs and amounts of waste disposed and recycled. Tracking waste prevention activities is not as straightforward and the tools to do this are still in development. The forms posted in Calculate Savings will help you figure out what you are achieving.

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