Act 101 of 1988 requires commercial, institutional and municipal establishments located in Pennsylvania's (mandated municipalities) * to recycle high-grade office paper, corrugated paper, aluminum, and leaf waste. In addition, establishments must recycle any other materials included in the municipality's recycling ordinance.
* Reference Act 101 of 1988. Pennsylvania's Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Sec. 1501 (c)(1)(iii)
The waste audit is one of the first steps in starting a recycling program. Elements of a good waste audit are as follows:
The first step in the audit process is to look at what materials you are currently disposing of and in what quantities. In developing your program concentrate on the high volume materials (in retail it would be cardboard and with offices it would be paper). Also look at high value materials such as toner cartridges and aluminum cans.
Look at the weight and volume of the materials you currently dispose of that could be recycled. Restaurants and bars generate large quantities of glass and are often charged a surcharge for collection due to the weight. Retailers generate large volumes of cardboard that can quickly fill dumpsters. If the establishment generates a high volume of cardboard it may pay to look at baling the material, this can also help increase the marketability of the cardboard.
Look at your overall operation and determine where the waste is being generated and if this material can be:
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Always locate collection containers where the recyclables are being generated. The easier it is to recycle the higher the participation rate will be. Clearly mark all collection containers and make it as hard as possible to contaminate the recyclables. For example use lids with only a hole in the top for the collection of aluminum cans. Locating the recycling containers near trash cans can cut down on contamination. |
The main reason for starting a recycling program is to reduce waste collection costs. After implementing your recycling program you need to conduct a second waste audit to see if your program has significantly reduced the amount of waste generated. If it has, you may want to reduce your collection schedule or size of your container, which will save you money.
You can download these forms as a Microsoft Word document to modify and use.
| MATERIALS | LOCATION | RECYCLED Y/N | DISPOSAL LBS/WEEK | DISPOSAL TONS/YR | COMMENTS |
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| Date of Collection | % Filled | Pickup Cost | Type | Size | # of Collections per Month | Monthly Cost |
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You can download these forms as a Microsoft Word document to modify and use.
[Next Page] [Previous Page] [Recycling Home Page] [Fact Sheets]
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Land Recycling and Waste Management
Dvision of Waste Minimization and Planning
Recycling and Markets Section
PO Box 8472
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8472
Hotline Number in Pennsylvania only: 800-346-4242
Please Print on Recycled Paper