What are some things business or industry can do to get started in recycling and solid waste reduction?
• Recognize what are some of the major materials going into the garbage compactor, dumpster or roll-off. Most often it is corrugated boxes, office paper, pallets, scrap metal and industrial plastics. • Search for a market for each of these materials. The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program staff at MDEQ can assist businesses and industries in this. • After starting a program for collecting, storing and marketing these materials, begin to monitor the garbage disposal. Is the garbage dumpster or roll-off full when the garbage contractor comes to make a pull on the unit? If not, consider reducing the size or frequency of pickup of these garbage dumpsters. Companies should see a reduction in the number of pulls on the compactor as well. These will be where the true savings can be found in implementing an commercial/industrial recycling program.
