Don’t Trash It – Recycle It – Tips for Zero Waste
At one time, we have all thrown away something that could have been recycled. Next time think — Don’t Trash It – Recycle It! Throwing away items that can be recycled is unsustainable and adds unnecessarily to the waste stream while increasing waste disposal costs. Recycling effectively reduces waste disposal costs while creating increased revenue for the Postal Service™.
n Recycling diverts waste from landfills, reduces greenhouse gasses, and generates revenue.
n Recycling prevents the disposal of raw materials, saves energy, and reduces pollution.
n Recycling 1 ton of mixed paper, cardboard, or mixed metal reduces greenhouse gases by 1 metric ton of carbon equivalent (MTCE).
The Postal Service seeks to recycle at least 50 percent of the solid waste stream. When you recycle, the USPS® reduces its solid waste disposal costs and generates revenue. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, the Postal Service generated nearly $24 million in recycling revenue and over $25 million in landfill cost avoidance. Recycling is a win-win proposition that makes good business sense and helps protect the environment.
n Take the Zero Waste Challenge. The zero waste challenge can help your facility increase recycling revenue, reduce solid waste disposal costs, and reduce greenhouse gases.
n Start a Green Team at Your Facility. Talk to your manager about establishing a Lean Green Team at your facility.
n Manage Your Dumpster. Paper, cardboard, plastic, or metal should not be found in your dumpster. Make sure everyone knows which materials are recyclable and therefore are not placed in the trash.
n Eliminate Trash Containers. Use recycling containers to replace trash containers, especially where the bulk of waste generated is recyclable. If a trash container is necessary, place it in a central location.
n Focus on Key Recyclables. Paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal represent 90 percent of the USPS solid waste stream. Make sure these items are being recycled at your facility. Research has shown that 60 percent of the waste in Postal Service dumpsters is recyclable, even at sites with recycling programs.
n Exceed the 50 percent Recycle Goal. The Postal Service aims to eliminate solid waste by recycling more than 50 percent of what it generates. Today, the USPS recycles about 40 percent of all waste generated nationwide. By increasing what you recycle by just 5 percent this year, we can meet our goal by 2015!
n Think Zero Waste and Recycle Everything. Other important items we can recycle include oils, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, antifreeze, tires, and eWaste (i.e., electronics).
n Eliminate Trash Containers. Use recycling containers to replace trash containers, especially where the bulk of waste generated is recyclable. If a trash container is necessary, place it in a central location. Properly label all containers for your recyclables.
n Manage Your Dumpster. If your facility has paper, cardboard, plastic, or metals recycling programs in place, these materials should not be in your dumpster. Make sure your dumpster has signage in place that indicates which recyclables cannot be discarded.
n Trash is Cash. Recycling creates revenue for the Postal Service, so remember that recycling is not just good for the environment — it is smart business.
n Buy Recycled Products. Buying products made of recycled materials helps close the loop by creating demand for recyclables.
n Your Efforts Count. If each Postal Service employee recycled all his or her waste daily, we could reduce solid waste by more than a quarter million tons a year. Your efforts count at work and at home.
n Get Involved. Learn more about how to recycle and save energy by joining a “Green Team.” Talk to your manager about establishing a Lean Green Team at your facility.
Post the “Reduce it” poster in the workroom where everyone can see it. To order Notice 890-B, Reduce It, go to the Sustainability website: http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/earthday/poster_890b.htm.
Post Notice 890-A, Do Not Put in Compactor or Dumpster, on or next to the dumpster where everyone can see it. To order Notice 890-A, go to the Sustainability website: http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/earthday/notice_890a.htm.
For more information about green teams, go to: http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/greenteams.htm.
— Corporate Sustainability Initiatives,
Office of Sustainability, 1-24-13
