|
Most of our office waste paper is not waste. It is estimated
that more than 70% of office waste is recyclable paper: letters,
copy paper, computer paper, colored paper, newspaper and cardboard.
An effective office paper recycling program is good for the
environment and insures compliance with the law. This section provides useful information to help businesses and organizations develop an effective paper recycling program. It is a program used by the City and County of Honolulu.
It Works
Davies Pacific Center. American Savings Bank. Hawaiian Telcom. Sheraton Hotels. Hilton Hawaiian Village. They're just a few of the corporations that have discovered the advantages of office paper recycling.
And recycling is tremendously popular with employees. Experience with recycling programs in many types of businesses has shown that employee participation continues at 90%.
It's Good for the Environment
When paper is made from old paper, up to 70% less energy is used than if paper is made from virgin wood fiber. Recycling one ton of paper could save the energy equivalent of 380 gallons of oil and substitutes for three tons of virgin wood fiber.
By recycling, we can reduce the amount of trees cut for paper production. One ton of waste paper can substitute for about three tons of virgin wood fiber in the making of new paper.
When we recycle, we reduce the amount of waste going to disposal sites. Existing landfills will last longer, and expensive expansions of H-POWER may not be needed.
It's the law
Since 1990, the City and County of Honolulu has required all City offices to recycle paper. Effective July 1, 1996 all Oahu office buildings that occupy 20,000 square feet or more are required to recycle office paper, newspaper and cardboard.
What types of paper your office recycling program should collect
Almost all paper can be recycled, but most office programs focus on the high-grades (white and computer). That's because these grades have stable markets, are generated in larger quantities and command a higher price.
Low-grade papers are in less demand, so dealers pay less (sometimes
nothing) for them. Stable markets exist for colored paper,
newspaper and cardboard.
Office buildings with 20,000 square feet or more of office space are required by law to recycle office paper (white, colored, computer) newspaper and cardboard.
It's Easy
The 4-step Office Paper Recycling Program, as illustrated, makes it easy.
4-Step Recycling Program
|
