Step 1: Develop an Environmental Policy

To assure that your program will be successful, develop an environmental statement incorporating recycling into your company policies.

Benefits of a Policy
Support from the top of an organization is key to the success of your recycling program. Managers need to understand why it's important to have a recycling program; they also need to know how a program will positively impact the business operations overall. Management endorsement of an environmental policy ensures that resources will be available when needed. A policy also sends a message to all employees that the company is serious about the recycling program. This commitment will help to promote a similar attitude among the establishment's employees and customers. An effective program will need the full support of every employee as well as a determination to make it work.

First Steps
1. Write a company policy statement that reflects the commitment of top management.
2. Set reduction goals that are specific and measurable, such as a 25% reduction in garbage hauled away within the next 6 months.
3. Communicate this policy so that it is clear to all staff.

Implementing the Policy
For smaller businesses: Appoint a recycling coordinator to manage the entire recycling program. The person selected should be genuinely interested in recycling and able to interface with personnel at all organization levels. It is advisable to incorporate recycling responsibilities into the employee's job description.

For larger businesses: Establish a "Green Team" that will develop and implement the program. Choose representatives from the departments that will be most affected by your recycling program. It is also a good idea to have a spokesperson for the employees. The team should have frequent meetings to discuss how their department is doing and ways of improving the program.