Case Study: Morrison House

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Morrison House is a privately owned, four star/four diamond hotel and restaurant. There are 70 employees and 45 guest rooms. Morrison House started recycling in Fall 1993 because they recognized an environmental need that could also save the company money. Once the proper containers were ordered and put in place, the program proceeded smoothly because of the high volume of metal food containers, wine bottles, cardboard delivery boxes and newspapers involved in the operation. The recycling containers provided adequate holding space, whereas the previous single refuse bin always seemed to overflow before pickup.

Materials Recycled: Commercial mix: all paper, newspaper, cardboard commingled containers: glass, aluminum, plastics #1& #2 , metal cans
Cost Savings: Pay $443.20/month for trash disposal; $369/month for recycling services; more than $200/month savings in waste disposal services overall.
Waste Reduction: Cloth towels are used in the restrooms. Drinking glasses and china are used in the rooms and dining areas. A water filter system for tap water was installed instead of buying bottled water. Old linens are used for rags, cloth laundry bags are used. Old stationery is used for scrap paper and a two-sided copier cuts down on paper. Instead of providing every guest a newspaper, there is a selection on the credenza on each floor.
Buy Recycled: Paper products, z-fold towels, plastic trash bags
Education: Employees have orientation within 30 days of hire. Management discusses recycling at employee meetings. Recycling bins are labeled in English and Spanish.
Keys: It is cost effective to recycle. Instill a sense of pride from recycling in employees.
Challenges: Educating a diverse staff, multi-language, cultural barriers, and motivation for staff.
Hauler: BFI