Save Money By Recycling:
Recycling is mandatory but have you ever thought about how recycling CAN save you money? Yes, it is
understood that there are associated costs with a recycling program. It costs money to send out trucks and
workers to collect recyclable materials. Depending on the material and market conditions, it even costs money
to recycle those materials. Despite these costs, recycling CAN save businesses money, especially over the long
term.
Here's an example of how you can save money by recycling:
At least 50% of your garbage consists of paper, cardboard, tin, plastic,
aluminum and glass. An 8-yard garbage dumpster is picked up twice a week
at a cost of $489.50 per month.
If you recycle certain products, primarily cardboard, you can downsize the
garbage dumpster to 4-yards picked up twice per week at a cost of $301.10
per month. Add a 4-yard cardboard recycling dumpster picked up once per
week at a cost of $78.38 per month and one 95 gallon container for
commingle at $28.02 per month, you've saved $82 a month. Over twelve
months, this is a savings of $984.00.
With those kinds of savings, how can you choose NOT to recycle?
Before Recycling
Garbage dumpster – 8 yard picked
up 2/wk
Monthly
Rate
$489.50
TOTAL $489.50
With Recycling
Monthly Rate
Garbage dumpster – 4 yard picked up
2/wk
Cardboard dumpster – 4 yard picked
up 1/wk
Recycling tote – 95 gal picked up 1/wk
TOTAL
$301.10
$ 78.38
$ 28.02
$407.50
HOW TO CONDUCT A WASTE AUDIT. The waste audit is one of the first steps in starting a recycling program.
Elements of a good waste audit are as follows:
1. Composition of the Waste Stream
The first step in the audit process is to look at what materials you are currently disposing of and in what
quantities. In developing your program concentrate on the high volume materials (in retail it would be
cardboard and with offices it would be paper). Also look at high value materials such as toner cartridges
and aluminum cans.
2. Determine Weight/Volume
Look at the weight and volume of the materials you currently dispose of that could be recycled or reused.
Restaurants and bars generate large quantities of glass. Retailers generate large volumes of cardboard
that can quickly fill dumpsters. If the establishment generates a high volume of cardboard it may pay to
bail the material; this can also help increase the marketability of the cardboard.
3. Source of Waste
Look at your overall operation and determine where the waste is being generated and if this material
can be:



Reduced (e.g. make two-sided copies)
Reused (e.g. reusing packing materials)
Recycled (e.g. collect and recycle office paper)
4. Collection System
Always place collection containers where the recyclables are
being generated. The easier it is to recycle, the higher the
participation rate will be. It is very important to clearly mark
all collection containers and make it as hard as possible to
contaminate the recyclables. For example, use lids with only a
hole in the top for the collection of aluminum cans. Locating
the recycling containers near trash cans can cut down on the
contamination.
5. Current and Projected Costs
The main reason for starting a recycling program is to reduce
waste collection costs. After implementing your recycling
program you need to conduct a second waste audit to see if
your program has significantly reduced the amount of waste
generated. If it has, you may want to reduce your collection
schedule or size of your container, which will save you money.
For free educational materials or onsite assistance please call North Port Solid Waste at 941-240-8050.
WHY RECYCLING IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS:
Economic
o Helps stabilize and may reduce disposal costs
o Lessens dependence on landfills
Environmental
o Saves natural resources
o Reduces pollution
o Preserves Florida’s natural beauty
Legislative
o Assures local compliance with city and state recycling mandates
Company Image
o Builds employer/employee team spirit
o Promotes good community relations
o Can be used with promotions and public relations