How to Start a Plastic Recycling Program

You can start a plastic recycling program at a school, office or anywhere with recyclable plastic waste. Certain types of plastics are recycled into a variety of secondary plastic products. Recycling companies have differing policies on what plastic material they are willing to accept. Enacting a recycling program is about bridging the relationship gap between the facility with the plastic and the company that recycles plastics. Make a difference on the local level by collecting and recycling plastics.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing program
• Printer
• Plastic trashcans with lids
• Ruler
• Permanent marker
• Utility knife or shears
• Laminated signs or vinyl stickers

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Instructions

• 1

  Find local recycling companies that accept or pay for plastics. Ask for specifics on the types of plastics each company will take. Get information about each company's collection services or drop-off locations.

  See the link in Resources for a searchable directory of recycling centers.

• 2

  Create a handout that outlines all the details of the plastics recycling program you want to implement. Include information on identifying which plastics are recyclable through the program.

• 3

  Speak with the management of the facility where you want to start the plastic recycling program. Give them a copy of the informational handout and let them know about the research you have done on local recycling companies. Ask for financial assistance to cover the cost of the plastic collection bins and the floor space to place them around the facility.

• 4

  Draw circles in the middle of the trashcan lids that are one inch larger than the diameter of the largest of the plastic materials you expect to collect. Cut the circled section out of the lids with a utility knife or strong shears.

• 5

  Label the collection bins with laminated signs or vinyl stickers that are obvious at a glance. Use large symbols and outlines of plastic materials that are acceptable in the program. A well-marked recyclables collection bin usually contains more usable material and less trash.

• 6

  Hold a meeting with all the employees, students or inhabitants of the facility to announce the plastic recycling program and to answer any questions people may have. Show one of the labeled collection bins during the presentation. Provide copies of the informational handout to all attendees.

• 7

  Place the well-marked plastics collection bins in visible locations near existing waste containers and recycling bins. Visit the bins regularly to monitor the success of the collection efforts.