COLLECTION TIPS |
SAMPLE SPECIFICATIONS |
SIGNAGE & BINS
Tips for Designing a Successful Collection Program: Education and Quality Control Are Key!
Contamination is often the biggest barrier to successful recycling
as you strive to balance achieving high volume, low labor costs,
and high quality. Sustainable programs also require efficient
collection and transport of recyclables. Consider the tips below
when designing your program.
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- Assess where most of the plastic film you plan to
collect is routinely generated
- Select collection bins or racks
- Open frame racks (found at industrial supply
stores) capable of holding open a large
transparent plastic bag have proven to be very
effective. They enable your business to maintain
quality control.
- You might also consider cages or rolling
carts for collection of scrap plastic film in
areas that are away from the customer area of your
business.
- Select plastic collection bags that can be
recycled along with the film you’re collecting
- (e.g., bags made of HDPE, LDPE or LLDPE).
- Bags both consolidate and protect the recovered
film.
- For great handling efficiency choose bags sized
approximately 38”x 65”.
- Transparency, strength, size, and cost are
significant decision factors for collection bags
- Place collection bin(s) near the plastic film
generation point if possible, but avoid potentially
wet areas.
- For convenience, make sure you do not make it more
difficult to recycle the material than to discard it,
so place recycling bins near the trash bins
- Be sure to include clear signage on both trash and
plastic film collection bins
- If you are working with a hauler or recycler who
is picking up bagged film with other recyclables such
as cardboard or baled plastic film, work with them to
find how best to prepare the material for pick up.
- Display samples of plastic film and bags to
illustrate acceptable types of film for recycling to
employees.
- Combine training with regular staff business
meetings, such as weekly safety meetings.
- Consider dedicating cost savings to a dedicated
employee fund as an incentive to recycle.
- If you have space for
storage and you’re generating more than a ton per
month, consider baling your film. The calculator tool
in this site may help you build a business case for
the investment.
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Download Worksheet 4
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