Case Study: Washington Convention Center

The Washington Convention Center, located in the District of Columbia, hosts international, national, and local single and multi-day events. Recycling is handled by the 40 housekeeping staff who pick up already separated recyclables. Recycling receptacles are strategically located throughout the building to facilitate ease in source separation.

The Center established its recycling program in 1991 when it hosted the National Solid Waste Management Association's annual conference. The Center also hosts several events throughout the year when recycling is expected by show managers and attendees. The convention industry has begun to promote "green meetings" and has gone so far as encouraging meeting planners to only use facilities that have an active recycling program.

Recycling has decreased the amount of waste taken for disposal, thereby reducing billing from the refuse hauler. The Center has received many compliments and requests for assistance from other organizations and convention centers on starting a recycling program. The positive image gained as a result of the program has made the Washington Convention Center one of the leaders in this particular industry.

Materials Recycled: Cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, newspaper, white paper
Cost Savings: Incorporating recycling has saved the organization money. Even though approximately $14,000/year is spent to recycle, trash disposal costs have been reduced by 30-40% since the program started.
Waste Reduction: Double-sided copying; e-mail
Buy Recycled: Paper products: tissue, paper towels; toner cartridges
Education: Provide employees with a fact sheet entitled "Why recycling makes sense," which discusses how recycling saves raw materials, energy and reduces environmental pollution. At pre-event meetings, clients are told that the Center recycles and they are asked to participate.
Keys: Have a person in charge of the recycling program. Continue to remind employees to practice recycling, train new employees. It is important to explain why recycling is good for the environment without just saying it has to be done because it's the law. Strategically place recycling bins. Convince people to participate starting from the top down.
Challenges: Getting everyone to participate.
Hauler: Eagle Maintenance Services for recycling; Urban Services Systems Corporation for refuse.