Question 1

How long does it take to set up a recycling program?

Accepted Answer

Typical timeline: waste audit in week 1, program design in week 2, container deployment and training in week 3. Most single-site programs are fully operational within 10-15 business days. Multi-location rollouts take 4-8 weeks.

Question 2

Do we need to hire a sustainability manager?

Accepted Answer

No. Our managed service replaces the need for in-house recycling expertise. Your dedicated account manager handles program design, vendor coordination, reporting, and optimization. You get the results of a sustainability program without the headcount.

Question 3

What does the waste audit involve?

Accepted Answer

On-site assessment (2-4 hours) where we characterize your waste streams by type and volume, review current disposal costs, and assess your facility layout for optimal container placement. Results delivered in 5-7 business days.

Question 4

How do you train employees?

Accepted Answer

Custom sorting guides specific to your materials and containers, posted at every collection point. Initial training session for staff (30-45 minutes). Ongoing reinforcement through signage updates and periodic refreshers. Train-the-trainer available for larger organizations.

Question 5

What containers do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Everything from desk-side bins and kitchen toters to outdoor dumpsters, compactors, and balers. Equipment is matched to your material types, volumes, and available space. Most equipment is provided at no additional charge for managed accounts.

Question 6

What if I already recycle but want to improve?

Accepted Answer

We audit existing programs to find gaps: missed streams, contamination issues, wrong-sized containers, and vendor inefficiencies. Optimization typically improves diversion 20-40 points and reduces costs 15-25%.

Question 7

How much does a recycling program cost?

Accepted Answer

Many programs are cost-neutral or save money from day one — because recycling processing is cheaper than landfill disposal. The waste audit shows you the exact financial picture before you commit. Metal and cardboard streams may generate revenue.

Question 8

Do you handle programs for multi-location businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's one of our core strengths. One contract covers all locations. Consistent service, consolidated billing, one report. We coordinate local vendors in every market while maintaining standardized program design.

Question 9

What reporting do I get?

Accepted Answer

Monthly: tonnage by material, diversion rate, cost analysis, contamination rate. Quarterly: optimization review and recommendations. Annually: sustainability summary for ESG reporting. All data accessible through your account manager.

Question 10

What if our waste stream changes?

Accepted Answer

Programs are designed to flex. We adjust container sizes, pickup frequency, and material streams as your operation evolves. Quarterly reviews identify when changes are needed.

Question 11

Do municipal recycling mandates apply to us?

Accepted Answer

Increasingly likely. Cities including NYC, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and many others require commercial recycling with varying thresholds. States including CA, MA, VT, CT, and NY have commercial recycling or organics mandates. We track requirements in all our service areas.

Question 12

How do you measure program success?

Accepted Answer

Primary metrics: diversion rate (% diverted from landfill), contamination rate (% of recyclables rejected), cost per ton (total spend / total waste), and program ROI (savings vs cost). We benchmark against industry averages and set improvement targets quarterly.

Question 13

Can you help with LEED certification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our programs support LEED EB and O&M waste management credits. We provide the documentation LEED requires including diversion rates, weight documentation, and recycling facility certifications.

Question 14

What happens if the program doesn't work?

Accepted Answer

Programs are optimized quarterly. If a material stream isn't performing (high contamination, low volume), we adjust — change containers, retrain staff, or modify the collection approach. The goal is continuous improvement, not set-and-forget.

Question 15

Do you work with our existing hauler?

Accepted Answer

We can. If your current hauler is performing well for general waste, we can layer recycling streams on top without disrupting the existing relationship. Or we can replace the entire waste management setup — whichever approach delivers better results and lower costs.

Recycling Program Setup — FAQ