T I P SHEET Other Tipsheets: Apartments & Condominiums Hospitals & Health Care Institutions Office Buildings Outdoor Events Hotels & Motels Manufacturing & Warehouse Operations Retail Operations Restaurants & Taverns Colleges & Universities Help Solve the Solid Waste Problem in Your Organization Basic Standards for Designing a Recycling Program Recycling Homepage Back to Introduction

Manufacturing and Warehouse Operations In setting up a program for your operation, concentrate on areas that produce significant amounts of waste. Logical areas include administrative offices, assembly floors, food service areas, rooms and staff lounges. RECYCLING CORRUGATED CARDBOARD It is necessary to determine how much of the corrugated cardboard can be recycled before decisions can be made on the level of recycling service desired. Some considerations are: Location and capacity of potential buyers. Current and historical prices paid per ton by the buyers. Minimum and maximum quantities acceptable for pick-up. Whether the buyer will pick up loose sheets or will require compacting or baling. Price differentials for different levels of service. Whether the buyer will furnish collection containers without charge. Contamination restrictions. Consult other businesses that are currently recycling corrugated cardboard for handling suggestions or information about experience with buyers. Steps for Successful Recycling: 1. Walk through your facility to check what type of waste is discarded in different areas. Concentrate on areas that produce large volumes of particular materials. Your walk-through assessment will help you determine which types of bins you will need and which recycling procedures you will implement. 2. Investigate reusing the waste that is produced in your plant, such as corrugated cardboard. REUSING CORRUGATED CARDBOARD While corrugated containers are recyclable, many businesses recognize the reuse value of these containers and keep them in circulation in a number of ways: * Donate or sell cardboard containers to other firms. Most boxes can be given away, and there is a significant market for "gaylord" boxes in many areas. Gaylords are standard industrial strength containers (usually 4' x 4' x 4') used to transport and store bulk materials. * Distribute corrugated boxes internally. Businesses frequently give these boxes to employees or others to use for moving, wrapping gifts, etc. These boxes may also be reused by the firm to store and ship recyclable materials. 3. Look into markets for waste materials that you produce on a regular basis. What was low yesterday may be high tomorrow. 4. Bale or flatten cardboard to reduce waste volume. Large manufacturing facilities may find it efficient to purchase a fork lift and designate one employee to collect, bale and load the cardboard. 5. Set up a recycling plan and spread the word. Inform employees about the new rules by issuing a memo and reviewing procedures at staff meetings or at the beginning of shifts.