• Purchase reusable products instead of disposable ones. Use items that are more durable, refillable and reusable. Disposable products cost more and create more waste.
• Consolidate separate forms, reports and memos. Eliminate any process using products that are outdated or no longer needed.
• Consolidate files, or have a master file, so extra copies are not needed in five different places.
• Save important email to your computer or backup file instead of printing them for filing. Email saves paper only when the messages are not printed out.
• Edit all work on-screen as much as possible before printing.
• Circulate one copy of a memo, or distribute it via email to save printing a copy for every person in the office.
• Purchase products that come in the least amount of packaging, look for products packaged in recyclable materials, and request that packaging be recyclable from your distributor. They will not use peanuts if you request them not to. Buying bulk saves money too.
• Reusing items around the office also helps to keep purchasing costs down as well as waste disposal costs. Here are some ideas for reusing items in your office:
• Reuse one-sided paper. Reuse preprinted copies in the printer or copier for work drafts. Reuse in the fax machine for printing faxes. Collect one-sided copies to make note pads.
• Share magazines and other publications with coworkers before recycling them.
• Request that your employer only purchase one copy of each publication to be shared among employees in the office.
• Take office supplies that can still be used, but are no longer needed, to your local reuse facility where teachers and not-for-profit organizations can put them to good use.
• Donate bigger items such as office furniture to charities or second-hand stores.
• Reuse the cardboard boxes your printer paper comes in as recycle bins under your desks.
• Recycling is the most common act of waste reduction. Here are a couple more ways to recycle at your business:
• Recycle used ink cartridges from printers by sending them to a facility who accepts them. Contact the manufacturer for more information.
• Recycle hazardous materials. Look for things you might not have considered as hazardous, such as florescent light bulbs and batteries. Consult the District for more information on proper hazardous waste disposal.
• Recycle old computers. Computers of most kinds can be remanufactured and used again. Donate the computer to a not-for-profit or local school.
• ·All electronics can now be recycled at the Hazardous Materials facility.
• "Close the loop" of waste reduction by purchasing products made of recycled, post consumer content. Look for products made with recycled content and ask for them if you do not find them. Without purchasing recycled products, there is nowhere for your recyclables to go. Here are some tips to get your business buying recycled:
• Use paper with post consumer content. 35% is the minimum post consumer content recommended.
• Use a printing ink alternative such as soy ink.
• Request that the products you purchase come in packaging that is recyclable or made of recycled materials.
• Buy office products made of recycled materials: plastics, furniture, metals.
• Consider using remanufactured computers.
• Look for recycled content in almost anything your office regularly uses.

Paper, plastic, metals etc. can only be recycled so many times. This makes reducing and reusing critical to waste reduction success.

 This program is part of the services provided by the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District. For more information please call 812.349.2019 or 812.349.2020 or click here to send an email.