Find a Coordinator
First, someone needs to get the ball rolling or, in this case, get the can kicking! Ideally, the program coordinator should be a permanent employee of your company, such as an office administrator or a designee who can lead by example to see the recycling program through the long-term.

Build a Recycling Team
The next step is recruiting team members. Your company’s “green team” should take responsibility to organize the program and then ensure it continues to run smoothly. Instrumental to your team is custodial staff because they will have valuable insights on the gathering and hauling of the aluminum cans. It’s also important for the company executive to be involved because he or she is a natural leader with valued opinions. Other team members could represent all facets of your company or local community – staff, spouses and community members.

Count on Success
So your team is ready to start a recycling program for your company. The size of your company and the employee consumption of canned drinks will help you decide how many recycling bins you will need and how often the cans must be hauled to a local recycling center.

Increase your success by opening the aluminum can recycling program to the public. A recycling bin on company grounds is a convenient drop-off location for community residents and also gives them an opportunity to support recycling. For example, you may want to hold community “can drives,” picking a certain date each month when community residents are encouraged to drop off their aluminum cans at your company, especially if your community doesn’t have a curbside recycling program.

Put Cans in the Right Place
Once you estimate the amount of cans to be recycled, consider where the recycling bins will be placed. Make the bins accessible by placing them near vending machines and in the cafeteria and lounges. Other considerations include placing bins near fountains and sinks to encourage rinsing cans, and providing can crushers near the bins to save space. However, states with deposit laws do not want the cans crushed before recycling them, so check. If you’re creating your own bins, be sure to clearly mark them “Aluminum Only!”

Decide on a central location where all the recycling bins can be emptied and stored until being taken to a recycling center. The storage location can be inside or outside, as long as the cans stay clean and dry. Or, if it’s easier for your company, you may want to take the cans directly from the recycling bins to the recycling center.

Contact your local aluminum recycler to see if they might be willing to provide you with a collection trailer(s) and/or containers. Some companies will provide them at no cost when you sell cans to them.

Cashing In
Several methods can be used to transport cans to a local recycling center/scrap dealer. Enlist the help of employees or other involved organization members to drop off the aluminum cans. Or speak with the custodial staff about transferring the cans. Another option is to coordinate pickup through the recycling center or waste hauler, although these services may require a fee or minimum amount of cans. To find a recycling center near you, visit www.earth911.org. Also, be certain to maintain a regular schedule to keep your recycling program running smoothly.

Involve Everyone
We all learn by example. So make sure all staff members are aware of the program and promote good recycling practices, such as rinsing their cans before placing them in recycling bins. Encourage the staff to talk about the recycling program. And remember to purchase and serve soft drinks in aluminum cans at company events and other social gatherings.

Keep Up the Enthusiasm
Perhaps the most important part of the recycling program is getting everyone excited. A recycling kickoff event such as a company meeting, outdoor picnic or game day is an opportunity to let employees know about the program. A kickoff event can include recycling-related speakers, videos and games as recycling educational tools.  

Launch your contests and events to coincide with America Recycles Day in November, Earth Day in April, or even during your United Way Campaign, to make them more exciting and meaningful for employees.

Promoting the Program
The more people know about your efforts, the more people will participate. Because it’s “good news,” people will want to hear about it. Recycling is something everyone can be proud of, so talk it up.

Let community members and local media know about your exciting recycling program.

Distribute flyers or e-mails to employees explaining the purpose and benefits of the program so staffers become involved.

Include inserts in company newsletters or pay envelopes.

Post flyers throughout your company and in local businesses to encourage everyone to drop off their aluminum cans to support your recycling efforts.

Invite reporters from local newspapers, radio and television stations to attend your company’s recycling events or send news releases to the media to tell them about your program and how close you are to reaching your goal during a can drive.

Now you are ready to start an aluminum can recycling program in your company – and take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to support a local charity that your company sponsors. Or even better, get your city involved and sign up for the Cans for Cash City Recycling Challenge. Good luck in reaching your goal!