The Importance of Office Recycling Programs

The Importance of Office Recycling Programs

Decreasing the amount of waste we send to landfills can benefit the environment, and your business, in numerous ways. If your business isn’t currently recycling, you could be missing out on some unseen benefits. 

Save Money

One of the main reason businesses should care about recycling is because doing so can save money. Reducing the amount of waste means reducing the cost of dealing with that waste. A well-planned and executed recycling program can generate up to $100 in savings per employee per year. In addition to fewer waste receptacles that need to be emptied, the visual representation of the amounts of each type of waste produced will help instill mindfulness regarding consumption and conservation of supplies. 

Protect the Environment

Recycling diverts a large amount of waste from landfills, effectively reducing ten major types of air pollutants and eight categories of water pollutants. For every ton of paper recycled, 7000 gallons of water and 17 trees are saved. As the 5^th largest industrial energy consumer in the world, the pulp and paper industry can greatly reduce its energy consumption with larger recycling initiatives. Since it takes less energy to reuse/recycle materials than it does to produce them from scratch, you are not only saving money on materials but on energy and time as well. For example, recycling paper uses 65% less energy than new production, and aluminum cans and bottle recycling uses 95% less energy than the original process. 

Public and Employee Perception

Another benefit of recycling is a positive association as a socially responsible business. By recycling and putting other green initiatives into place, you will attract employees that are more motivated to work. In fact, almost one in ten millennials would be willing to quit a job if their employer wasn’t sustainable. This only becomes more relevant as the workforce ages and more millennials and younger generations are entering the scene. Additionally, when current employees see an effort being made in the office (especially by upper management), it will boost morale and lower staff turnover. 

Of course, consumers also love to shop with companies that are environmentally responsible. In a 2014 Neilsen Study, 55% of respondents would be willing to pay more for products or services from companies that are committed to social and environmental impact. Just as well, 2/3 of all consumers choose sustainable products over conventional products. In short, not recycling can force you out of a market that you otherwise have ample opportunity in. 

Here to Help

Now that you know why an office recycling program is important, the only thing left to do is put one in place! There are plenty of ways to be an environmentally friendly company, and Lawton Brothers is here to help. Give us a call today and let us walk you through your recycling program and potential green cleaning supplies to assist on your journey at: 800.432.0813.