Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber

Save Money Recycling

The Chamber recently partnered with the City of Ann Arbor, Master Business Recycler and the michigan recycling coalition to put on a special seminar series about how to save your business money through recycling. The seminar provided valuable information about the importance of recycling and great techniques to get your business and co-workers involved. One of the main focuses of the seminar was on starting a recycling program at your organization.

Great ways to get your organization started on a recycling program:
1) Gain management support: It is very important that you get approval from your CEO, Manager or from Corporate before you implement a recycling program at your office.

2) Involve all employees: Make sure all of your employees take part in a waste assessment; therefore each employee knows what they must do to contribute to the organization’s ‘green’ goals.

3) Form a Green Team: The Green Team will help create ‘green’ goals for the organization. The Green Team can have regular monthly meetings to keep the business on track to meet their ‘green’ goals. The team members should also create prizes or other incentives to encourage participation throughout the organization.

4) Appoint a leader: Nominate someone from the office to be in charge of your Green Team. Make sure this person is knowledgeable on what your office waste currently is and what your ‘green’ goals are.



5) Inform everyone about the program: Make sure all recycling bins are visible and properly labeled. If your organization has a janitorial service make sure they are aware of your recycling initiatives. All employees must be informed of your ‘green’ goals and what they must do to contribute. Display them in your break room or maybe your lobby, so they are a constant reminder. Lastly, make sure your stakeholders are aware. Being an eco-friendly company is a competitive advantage. Create press releases about what your organization is doing as well as when you reach a ‘green’ goal. Provide information on your website and/or in newsletters to inform your current customers.

6) Reward, Measure, Celebrate: Setting ‘green’ goals is important, but more importantly, set rewards! Measure your efforts and reward all employees for their success with a pizza party, special event, gift certificates, prizes – something. When you reach your ‘green’ goals review what you have done and set new goals. Be sure to inform everyone: media, prospective customers/clients, all employees and current customers/clients of your success.

Share your story - what is your company currently doing to be green?

For more information about business recycling:
City of Ann Arbor

Master Business Recycler

michigan recycling coalition

Recycle Ann Arbor



watch the seminar now!

Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber