Overview

Total involvement and motivation from management and associates are extremely critical to the success and quality of your recycling program. Education will be an ongoing component.

Demonstrate management commitment. Once your management recognizes and transforms printer cartridge & mobile phone recycling into a high priority, your associates will too. Articulate your strategy through a formal environmental policy or mission statement. Your associates will understand that environmental concerns are a company priority. Involve your associates at the planning stage, as this will give them a sense of ownership, making it more likely that they will support the program. Solicit feedback from them during program implementation to ensure their continued involvement.

Hold a "kick off" event or other special event. Let everyone know how important they are to your printer cartridge & mobile phone recycling efforts by holding a special "kick off" event. Introduce a “kick-off” memo from senior management announcing the recycling program and requesting the involvement of all associates. The memo should encourage associates to volunteer and become members of a recycling team. Organize your event to coincide with your company’s annual summer picnic, National Earth Day Celebration, America's Recycling Day or monthly meetings and luncheons.

Educate everyone! Just as you train new associates on new equipment and software, educate everyone on the benefits of printer cartridge & mobile phone recycling. Train and educate your associates to properly participate in recycling by providing simple and concise logistical information. New associates should be trained during orientation. Conduct a 15-minute exercise for small groups that can be very effective in explaining the details of the program. Also, be certain that the custodial staff is well trained and understands the importance of it’s role in the program. Encourage your associates to participate on a regular basis. Associates will be more likely to participate enthusiastically if they understand the benefits of printer cartridge & mobile phone recycling, both for your company and the environment.

Provide incentives and reward participation. Generate enthusiasm by recognizing achievements and distributing promotional products with your company’s name and environmental logo. Inspire your associates by giving them feedback on the many successes of the program and to reward associates for their continued involvement through awards and promotional products. Demonstrate excellent choices in promotional products by supplying Frisbees, reusable mugs, reusable shopping bags and seeds for planting.