Educate and Train Employees

Proper staff education is crucial to the success of your waste reduction program. There are a variety of ways to creatively inform and involve staff in a waste reduction effort.

Here are some easy tips for successfully educating your staff:

Before You Begin

Education should start BEFORE your program does so that you can answer questions that might influence the success of the overall program.
Introduce your employees and custodial staff to the program in writing, such as an introductory memo, and at a staff or company meeting.
When educating your staff, be sure to include an explanation of the overall program, the roles individuals and departments will play, and how the program will benefit the environment and the company.

Ongoing Publicity & Education

Post informative articles on waste reduction efforts, recycling, source reduction, reuse and/or the environment to further educate staff.
Provide program feedback in various employee publications, such as memos, newsletters, bulletin boards, online publications or via e-mail.
Inform staff if certain contaminants are creating problems or if a department needs to improve their waste reduction efforts.
Publicizing the quantity of waste reduced.
Incorporate waste reduction plan information in new employee orientation and/or handbook.
Remind employees that individual efforts strongly influence the success of the entire program.
Recognize staff that serve as "monitors" or help promote the program in different departments.
Offer awards, incentives or contests to increase awareness and participation within the program. Prizes can include recycled content items, such as t-shirts, reusable drink cups/mugs, office supplies, etc...
Survey employees and departments periodically to identify program problems, improvements, and opportunities for expansion.

Evaluating Results

Calculate the environmental impact and savings of the waste reduction efforts.
Calculate disposal cost savings, as well as the amount of money earned
(if applicable) from the sale of recyclable materials.
Publicize recycling revenues that are being donated to different charities or local causes.