Though Environmental Defense often works with industry leaders to reduce waste and find other environmental solutions, we aren t able to work with every business. Contact your company's private hauler to discuss whether they separate recyclables from your office garbage before it is landfilled or incinerated. Some haulers separate materials like office paper or corrugated boxes after collection to reduce their landfilling costs. Separating these materials in your office substantially increases their value and reduces contamination, leading to higher recycling rates. Look at your company's waste stream to determine whether there are ways to reduce the amount of waste your operation generates.
Source reduction is the best way to lower hauling costs.
Use recycled and recyclable materials. Everything from office paper to shipping cartons are available with recycled content or made of recyclable materials. Buying recycled goods helps the environment and creates demand for recycled products. Reduce or reuse shipping materials like polystyrene peanuts and shredded paper. Also, use newsprint or shredded paper for fillers.