Edited 6-23-2011
Residents Business Schools Multi-Family Offices Hotel Enforcement
Non-Residential Recycling Initiative Non-Residential Inspection/Checklist
Denville Recycling Regulations
Hotel - General Recycling Tips
Recycling program must be ACTIVE, CURRENT and EFFECTIVE. The benefits are vast, both to the property and the environment. The rewards will vastly out weight the initial costs.
You save by cutting operating costs through waste prevention (reduce), recycling, reuse and conservation.
You will get positive publicity, increase your business and save on advertising
You will be doing the right thing, preserving the environment.
Regulations
Recycling is required by the Solid Waste Management Act and the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, codified in the New Jersey Statutes Annotated at NJSA 13:1E, especially 13:1E-99.
Consult the NJ DEP, Morris County web page and Township of Denville web site for further information.
NJ DEP http://www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/rule_link.htm
Morris County www.mcmua.com
Township of Denville http://www.denvillenj.org/recycling.php
Be sure to document your program as required by local municipal ordinances.
Commercial establishments are required to submit annual recycling plans/vendor contracts by January 15 of each year.
Each business, institution, office complex, hotel, school and multi-family dwellings complete a recycling tonnage report on or before March 1st of each year.
Forms should be sent to
Denville Department of Public Works 140 Morris Ave Denville, NJ 07834.
Hotel Staff Involvement
Both new and veteran employees need specific training regarding local county and municipal rules, regulations and ordinances. Employee education and management commitment to the recycling program is essential.
Make sorting recyclables part of every hotel employee's job description.
Explain your recycling goals and what you are trying to accomplish.
Guest Involvement
Front desk staff must be thoroughly trained and able to inform guests of the recycling policy at time of check in. Guests should be reminded of recycle policy via “postcard” and/or via insert page within hotel information booklet. Properly placed signage is critical.
Be sure that all containers are well-marked for guests and staff to use. For public areas, it is best to choose containers with specialized openings and proper signage. Place recycling containers where recycling is most convenient … in each room, near exits and on each floor of the hotel, near vending machines, near the elevators, etc
Steps to Institute a Recycling Program.
Select Green Team and Recycling Coordinator
Green Team Group should consist of individuals that are proven motivators and should include someone from every facet of the organization. This includes administration, food/beverage, house keeping, custodial, landscaping, etc.
The Recycling Coordinator must be familiar with responsibilities of each department, enthusiastic about recycling and the environment and able to communicate effectively with management, haulers/recyclers, and municipal government representatives
Conduct waste assessment
Conduct a “walk around” with key personnel to determine areas which produce the most trash and recyclables. Be able to measure (quality and quantity) each type of material. Use established, “off the shelf” forms to tabulate streams and potential cost savings.
http://www.earth911.org/library/brrc/pdf/WasteAssForm.pdf
Recycling will involve some of the following areas:
Administrative
High Quality Paper, Mixed Paper, Cardboard, bottles, cans and printer toner cartridges.
Food service areas
Cans, plastic containers, glass, cardboard, and perhaps compostable materials.
Public areas
Magazines, newspaper, bottles and cans.
Housekeeping
cardboard, plastic
Grounds crew
yard waste
Based on the results of the waste assessment, set up appropriate recycling programs in each area.
Determine which material must be recycled
Consult the specific county and municipal regulations.
Work with vendor to meet and exceed those regulations.
Remember: Concentrate on paper (highest weight percentage)
Concentrate on aluminum (value)
Determine Collection Method
Your facility must take into account the method of recycling (single vs dual stream), participation rate, and over all economics.
Dual Stream Process
Source segregation of recyclables by specific type.
Pros - higher direct economics
Cons - lower participation rate and more difficult to execute.
- Fiberous material recycling includes white paper, colored paper, cardboard, office mail, magazines/catalogs, etc. Cardboard is usually compacted separately
- Plastics (1 -7 ?) plus metal, glass, aluminum
Single Stream process
Placing all recyclables in one container.
Pros - higher participation rate, easier to maintain and control
Cons – lower economics
Housekeeping and janitorial staff are the key to a successful program.
Be sure to get their input and acknowledge their overall input.
Explain your recycling goals and what you are trying to accomplish.
The key is to handle recyclables as few times as possible.
Get their involvement to finalize the following key points:
- Who will collect the material?
- How will the recyclables be collected differently from trash?
- How much time does this collection process add to cleaning each room?
- How does this impact the overall housekeeping schedule?
- What is the final consolidation process?
- Size and volume requirements of initial collection container plus transfer and final containers
Training
- Inform employees about proper recycling procedures by issuing a memo and reviewing procedures at staff meetings or at the beginning of shifts.
- Designate weekly or monthly follow up to ensure that procedures are being followed and further educate employees as necessary.
Set Up Recycling Bins and Guidelines
Determine correct size and configuration of container for each location. For public areas, it is best to choose containers with specialized openings, such as a hole for cans or a slot for newspapers
Be sure signage is appropriate and effective.
Be sure each employee, guest and visitor is aware of procedures, and general location of recycling bins.
Be consistent in color, shape and signage.
Select your vendor
Work with local vendors to determine best collection method for your location.
Be sure to adequately and periodically research your costs, options and alternatives:
who supplies consolidation containers
frequency of service
length and terms of contract – be sure to consider potential changes in commodity market indexes
cost breakdown - base price with minimum charge per pickup or flat fee/pickup
Be aware of cost avoidance economics and know your true costs
Monitor your program
Documentation
- Set goals and objectives on a realistic timeframe. Map out an action plan for both personnel and materials flow components.
- Set up a log book or a receipt system to record the volume of recyclables leaving the premises. This will enable you to receive proper compensation for your materials and to take appropriate action if volumes decrease.
Follow Up
Be aware of areas with major contamination problems or where employees are not participating. Be prepared to change policies, procedures to ensure an active, current and effective program.
Promote your program by letting your guests and the public know about your achievements. Print a brochure that describes your recycling program and waste reduction efforts. Send out press releases about your goals and accomplishments. Enter local and state waste reduction award competitions.
For more information contact recycling@denvillenj.org .
