Waste Reduction Tips for Columbia County Businesses

                                            Evaluate Your Waste Stream
Are there cost savings just sitting in your garbage can? By identifying a waste, you have found an opportunity to save time, resources, and dollars. What can you do at work to minimize waste?   

• Copy and print double-sided whenever possible. (Find out about "duplex" options for laser printers that allow you to print double-sided.)

• Reuse the back side of paper for draft documents and memos. Keep a small box of reusable paper near the copier or printer.

• Look at the forms/newsletters/correspondence you send out - don’t be afraid to change the format.

• Send internal memos electronically.

• Use print preview and spell check.

• Keep mailing lists current.

• Get rid of office junk mail by removing your business from marketing lists published by Dun & Bradstreet (call 800-333-0505)

• Avoid brightly colored paper, since they cause problems in the recycling process. Use pastels or white paper with colored ink (nontoxic).

• Make sure all employees have a convenient way of recycling. Provide containers for recyclables at each desk or in common areas.

• Order recycled content products whenever possible.

• Buy durable goods.

• Use shredded paper or cornstarch peanuts for packing instead of foam peanuts.

• Styrofoam peanuts and boxes can be saved and reused or given to Mailboxes Northwest in St. Helens.

• Bring recyclable containers (for food), coffee mugs, and utensils to work.

• If you handle a lot of organic waste, you can start a compost pile, adding leaves, grass, and other yard waste.

• Instead of bagging grass, cut grass often and leave on your lawn to save time and money on fertilizer.
  For detailed information on how to set up an in-house waste reduction program, visit DEQ.