Questions:
1. What's the best way to dispose of our old computers and printers in the office that we've recently replaced with new models?
2. I know our office could do more to recycle. We already have a recycle bin next to the copier, but none of us really have the time or expertise to tackle the whole office. Are there any resources that could help?
3. I'm confused. How can I tell when paper is recyclable or if it is made from recycled paper?
4. How should we dispose of our old printer cartridges?
5. Our number of old cell phones is stacking up. We always keep a few extra in the office in case someone loses theirs and needs a fast replacement. But now the drawer is crammed full with old cells phones. How do we dispose of them?
6. I just accepted a new job and my new office doesn't recycle. We are a small office and when I brought it up they said it wouldn't make that much difference because we are not some big corporation. Do you have any information I can share to try and change their minds?
7. My company has recently decided to let some of us office from home, which is
great, except I am noticing that my home trash is beginning to overflow with my
added office waste? Any suggestions?
Answers:
Q: What's the best way to dispose of our old computers and printers in the office that we've recently replaced with new models?
A: New technologies have enabled us to reuse some of the electronics materials
like steel, glass, plastic and precious metals, so recycling, or "e-cycling" is
definitely the way to go. You'll also be helping to extend the life of our local
landfills. Click here to find local recycling resources for electronics. [link
to Electronics Recycling.doc in office ideas]
top
Q: I know our office could do more to recycle. We already have a recycle bin next to the copier, but none of us really have the time or expertise to tackle the whole office. Are there any resources that could help?
A: Yes, the article Free Advice for Saving Money [link to article in office
ideas section.] has all the contacts you'll need to green your office. We have
local representatives that can come and offer you specific tips and advice that
are easy to implement and won't take too much of your time. You will probably
even find they'll save you some money.
top
Q: I'm confused. How can I tell when paper is recyclable or if it is made from recycled paper?
A: The symbols can be confusing because they are so similar. Look for the symbol
that has a dark background with three white or light-colored arrows. It should
also state somewhere on the package that it is made from "post-consumer
content", this means that the materials used to make this product were already
used by a consumer and recycled. For example, recycled-content office papers
usually contain at least 20% post-consumer content. This means that 20% of the
pulp used to make the recycled-content paper came from paper that was used and
recycled once already. Post-consumer content products are especially important
to purchase because they provide a market for the recyclables we set out at the
curb or take to depots.
top
Q: How should we dispose of our old printer cartridges?
A: Definitely recycle them. There are many choices on how you can recycle them
in the article Save the Earth and Schools: Recycle Your Printer Cartridges [link
to article in office idea section]. It has information on the local programs
available to you.
top
Q: Our number of old cell phones is stacking up. We always keep a few extra in the office in case someone loses theirs and needs a fast replacement. But now the drawer is crammed full with old cells phones. How do we dispose of them?
A: There are easy local options to recycle them. When You Hang Up the Old Cell
Phone [link to article in office ideas section] and Don't Answer it May be Toxic
offers tips on where to take your cell phones so they'll be recycled and offers
compelling reasons to do so.
top
Q: I just accepted a new job and my new office doesn't recycle. We are a small office and when I brought it up they said it wouldn't make that much difference because we are not some big corporation. Do you have any information I can share to try and change their minds?
A: Tell them it will make a ton of difference, literally! If you work in an
office but don’t recycle, you throw away an average of at least 1.5 pounds of high-grade recyclable paper every day. That’s tons of paper each day American workers are on the job. If you saved just one ton through reducing use or recycling, you could save: 17 trees, 275 pounds of sulphur, 350 lbs of limestone, 9,000 lbs of steam, 60,000 gal of water, 225 kilowatt hours of power and 3.3 cubic yards of landfill
space.
top
Q: My company has recently decided to let some of us office from home, which is great, except I am noticing that my home trash is beginning to overflow with my added office waste? Any suggestions?
A: A quick quiz Home Offices: A View From Under the Desk [link to this article
in office ideas section] is a fun and quick survey of some tips to help you cut
your home office waste stream. And, of course, by not driving to work you are
already tackled one of our largest environmental challenges. Good job!
top
Return to main FAQ page
