Step #7: Determine Collection Containers & Segregation Strategies

Once you determine the number of commodities to be recycled, it will be necessary to determine the number and location of recycling bins needed. The best way to accomplish this is by walking through the facilities. Marking the locations on a schematic of the building will help you to estimate your container costs. Mark all the places you plan to spot a group of recycling bins on a facility drawing or map. Remember that you can always adjust the final number of recycling containers required later, however, you need to document your best guess on the initial walk-through. There are many different container size options available so keep the overall size, in line with your collection requirements.

Recycling Bins - Containers are chosen based on the material to be collected, expected volume, collection strategy, and cost. Collection containers can be a simple plastic bin or box. Desktop paper collection containers are typically small cardboard or plastic bins located on or by the desk. A container should also be located near all copiers, fax machines, and printers. Collection containers also need to be positioned in designated areas throughout the facility. Collection containers should be a noticeable color for ease of identification and collection.

Smaller bins will fit into more locations but will create the need for more frequent collection and hence more labor costs. A larger collection container will make collection easier and reduce manning requirements, but it will be more difficult to obtain available floor space. (Note: Obtaining adequate floor space ["Floor wars"] will be a much larger task than you first recognize. Having upper management support in the beginning should help eliminate or reduce this obstacle.)

Collection Containers - Most of the recycling bins will need to be emptied into large collection containers by custodial or other collection staff on a scheduled basis. Cardboard boxes ("Gaylords") or plastic shipping tubs can be used for this function. Gaylord containers are sometimes cheaper but take up much more room, are unattractive, and require a pallet and pallet mover to transport. Plastic shipping tubs are more expensive, initially, but can be sized for the location. They usually have built-in wheels, will stack when empty, and can be more attractive. These tubs can be ordered to accommodate a fork truck, electric prime mover, or attach a hitch for pulling. These shipping tubs are also a great place to advertise the program's title or slogan. The plastic tubs may force you to set up an exchange or loop program with your recycling broker. Remember that a loop program usually requires a staging area for the empty tubs. A staging area will also be needed for Gaylords and pallets as well. Investigate the possibility of having a trailer spotted on or near the dock to lessen the need for moving full tubs more than once. Full tubs take up a lot of floor space.