Reduce Waste at Work

Writing/Printing Paper

• Establish a companywide double-sided copying policy, and be sure future copiers purchased by your company have double-sided capability.
• Reuse envelopes or use two-way (send-‘n-return) envelopes.
• Keep mailing lists current to avoid duplication.
• Make scratch pads from used paper.
• Circulate (rather than copy) memos, documents, periodicals, and reports.
• Use outdated letterhead for in-house memos.
• Put company bulletins on voice or electronic mail or post on a central bulletin board.
• Save documents on hard drives or CD instead of making paper copies.
• Use central files to reduce the number of hard copies your company retains.
• Proof documents on the computer screen before printing.
• Eliminate unnecessary reports.
• Donate old magazines and journals to hospitals, clinics, or libraries.

Looking for reasons to go paperless? Find out how much paper is costing you.

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Equipment

• Rent equipment that is used only occasionally.
• Reuse worn out tires for landscaping, swings, etc.
• Purchase remanufactured office equipment.
• Establish a regular maintenance routine to prolong the life of such equipment as copiers, computers, and heavy tools.
• Use rechargeable batteries where practical.
• Install reusable furnace and air-conditioner filters.
• Reclaim usable parts from old equipment.
• Recharge fax and printer cartridges or return them to the supplier for remanufacture.
• Sell or give old furniture and equipment to other businesses, local charitable organizations, or employees.

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Recycle!

Source reduction combined with recycling efforts can further reduce waste. A well-designed recycling program complies with the law, reduces waste, and saves natural resources. Most companies find that it’s worth the work to put together a recycling program for your facility or office. But before you start–use these tips for putting together a successful recycling program.