Sixth Annual Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling

Select from the following reuse, waste prevention and recycling practices and check all that apply. *

Note: you must meet at least 10 from the checklists below.

Company policies and operations

A zero waste policy or goal has been established.

Has undergone a waste audit by your waste hauler or independent third party.

With increased recycling, has reduced size or collection frequency of garbage dumpster or have at least explored the possibility with your hauler.

Recycling goals are set, progress tracked and staff receives results.

New employees receive an orientation on the program when hired.

A recycling coordinator or team "champions" the recycling program and keeps staff motivated.

Participates in a city, EPA, or other recycling/green business program.

Indoor recycling bins and outdoor dumpsters are large enough, and plentiful enough, to accommodate all accepted recyclables.

"How to" labels or posters are prominently displayed on or near recycling bins.

Purchase in bulk to reduce packaging materials.

Uses reduced packaging, recycled content or compostable packaging for company's products (or food if a food service industry).

Manufacturers or sells products made from recycled materials.

Accounting department offers paperless billing.

Encourages customers to re-use shopping bags or use their own bags by offering incentive or selling reusable bags.

Returned or defective merchandise is donated or re-purposed.

Office furnishings are used, recycled or made with recycled materials.

Wood pallets and scraps are recycled.

If a hospitality or food service industry, notices are posted reminding guests to recycle in recycling areas.

Kitchen/dining areas

Takes steps to reduce wasted food during preparation/manufacturing.

Excess food is donated to a food bank.

Food scraps and food-soiled paper or other organic materials are composted on site or collected for composting.

Offers recycling and food scrap collection at company meetings and conferences.

Kitchen on site with dishwasher that allows employees to bring their own lunches to reduce or eliminate the need for take-out food containers and single serve lunch packaging.

Provides dishware, glassware and flatware in kitchens, cafeterias and hotel guest rooms, instead of single-use paper or plastic products.

Does not offer single-use water bottles within company.

Copy room and/or cubicles

Reduces size of documents or circulate memos, documents, reports, and publications rather than copying.

Sends and receives all faxes electronically, rather than printing them out.

Uses electronic mail and voice mail for mailings.

Proofs documents on screen and preview before printing.

Uses minimum 50% post-consumer recycled content office products such as stationary, business cards, envelopes, copy and fax paper.

Eliminates unnecessary forms and redesign to use less paper.

Designs mailers which avoid the use of envelopes (fold and staple the paper).

Printers and copiers are set to print and copy double-sided pages.

Uses remanufactured cartridges for any office equipment that uses replaceable toner or ink cartridges.

Trays are placed next to printers and copiers for reusable paper.

Used toner cartridges are recycled or refilled.

Doesn't use cover sheets on faxes.

Reuses mailing boxes and envelopes.

Opts out of unwanted mailings.

Posts announcements on bulletin boards or circulate copies.

Eliminates use of paper phone books.

Styrofoam blocks, packing peanuts and other plastic packaging, film or wrap are recycled or reused.

Removes duplicate names and out-of-date entries from mailing lists.

Reuse and Take-back programs (for customers and/or employees)

Reuses or donates surplus furniture and other durable items.

Donates, resells or recycles used electronic equipment.

Offers take-back/recycling program for:

Offers a rechargeable battery or exchange program.

Has a program for employees to reuse, recycle and/or sell items such as Employee Classifieds.

Street Address *

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Contact phone *

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Contact e-mail *