How to nurture a culture of health cascade building services.

How to Nurture a Culture of Health and Wellness at the Workplace

by Advice

By Chen Zhan

Source

You’re worried about homeschooling the kids, you have a 9 AM meeting you haven’t finished preparing for, your emails keep pinging, and the boss wants to see you NOW. Let’s face it, work is stressful, but your workplace doesn’t have to be — even in the midst of a pandemic. With so many businesses operating amidst COVID-19, nurturing a culture of health, wellness, and coronavirus cleanliness is crucial.

Working in Portland gives you a head start. The city ranks as one of the country’s healthiest. Employee health programs are an excellent way to take wellness a step further.

Employee wellness programs are worth the investment: When co-workers feel their best, health care costs are ultimately lower. An ideal workplace health model includes access to fitness facilities, nutritious snacks, and insurance coverage that pays for preventative screenings.

 

How to Build a Culture of Health and Wellness

Here’s how to foster health and wellness at work — whether that workplace is at home, in an office building, or even in the great outdoors:

 

Working From Home

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Working from home may be a temporary fix to keep us from spreading the coronavirus, or part of your normal routine. Creating a separate workspace keeps your professional life from flowing into everyday living.

Set up your home office near windows to get a daily dose of natural light. Lighting affects mood by boosting endorphins — the body’s way of coping with stress. If you don’t have a large window, buy a “happy lamp” to bring bright light to your workspace.

There’s no substitute for a routine deep-cleaning. But indoor plants bring fresh air to every room. Anthurium, English ivy, and aloe vera filter germs, dust, and airborne chemicals like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzyne.

If you’re not glued to the desk, why not work while walking on a treadmill? Don a Bluetooth phone headset and place your laptop on the treadmill dashboard.

Dance to the bathroom. Simple yoga moves let you stretch and breathe during the workday.

 

At the Office

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The rules for your home office also apply to the company office. Set your desk up with plants and the proper lighting so you can be more productive.

Sitting for hours in one place can be very tiring. Repetitive movements from typing on a keyboard may lead to carpal tunnel damage.

How can you combat sedentary workstyles? Move around, and get up.

Foot pedal cycles, wrist and ankle weights, balance boards, stretch bands, and ball chair exercisers are a few simple physical fitness products that can keep you moving in different directions when you’re sitting still at your desk.

Stand-up desks are a popular alternative for workspaces. Standing requires movement, increases blood circulation, and burns calories. Walking around the office is a productive way for employees to move their bodies and wake up!

Muscles need oxygen. Heading to the restroom, coffee pot, kitchen, water fountain, and running the stairs increase the flow of air to the brain.

 

Outdoors

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Fresh air, light, and movement help oxygen flow to the brain. On warm weather days, working outside is a cool pick-me-up, especially when you’re among Portland’s fragrant plants and flowers.

If you’re in management, offer your employees a chance to create and work beside a flower garden (when it warms up). Bonus points: Planting the garden is a great team-building exercise!

A lunchtime yoga class while enjoying the sounds of nature is an excellent option in the spring and summer.

 

Establish Individual Health Goals

When it comes to health goals, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Prompting everyone to develop his or her own wellness plan gives team members the chance to control the outcome.

Start with baby-steps so as not to cause counter-productive stress. The ultimate goal is to nurture a culture of health and wellness at the workplace that spills over into the home front.

Keep your office healthy by keeping it clean. Get in touch with Cascade Building Services for janitorial and other commercial cleaning services in Portland. We use eco-friendly products to keep the planet healthy as well!

 
Chen Zhan began designing office spaces when he noticed the women he worked with donning sweaters, while the men continually turned the temperature down. He now consults with companies around the globe to improve company performance. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding some space heaters and standing desks.

make-employees-happier-portland-cascade-building-services

8 Things You Can Do To Make Your Employees Happier

by Advice

In today’s day and age, it takes more than just a bare bones operation to keep employees happy. Given the humming economy and low unemployment rate, your employees have more and more employment options at their disposal. For this reason, it’s important to do what you can (within reason) to keep them happy and invested in your business.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite ways to keep and build happiness on your team. Read on to learn more! 

 

Provide a clean and healthy office environment 

One of the biggest things you can do for your employees is provide a clean and healthy environment for them to work in. Generally this includes:

  • Clean and sanitary office space –  Including desk areas, conference rooms, bathrooms, and everything in between.
  • Pristine air quality – Cleaning your office and fresh air go hand in hand. Also, make sure HVAC systems are running on all cylinders and clean.
  • Trash, recycling, and perishables – Cleared out regularly around the office. 
  • Adhering to OSHA standards and taking legal responsibility for providing a safe environment

While these seem like simple things to achieve, not every office cleans as regularly as they should — and a DIY approach is often even worse. While cleaning yourself can work in extremely small offices, it is not sufficient for a larger office.

 Just what happens when you have a clean office? You’ll likely find your employees have…

  • Better focus 
  • Less stress
  • Increased productivity
  • Less wasted time
  • Most importantly, a more positive mindset when coming into the office

 

Do what you can to ensure sick employees stay home

While lost productivity is a concern, encouraging employees to come into the office when they are under the weather can backfire.

First off, even if an employee is in the office, it does not mean they will be productive. In fact, having to drive to the office, interact with coworkers, and sit at their desk could make them feel worse and be less productive. Secondly (and more importantly), their presence will likely make their coworkers sick as well. This will result in even greater lost productivity and even more of your employees sick. 

The end result is employees who are not very happy and not very productive. We recommend that you institute personal health days or encourage employees to work from home if at all possible when they’re under the weather.

 

Make sure they’re comfortable

Employees spend at least 8 hours a day in your office. We encourage business owners to look for ways to make their employees comfortable while they’re under your care. This can include:

  • Comfortable chairs and desk 
  • An adequate workstation 
  • A comfortable and reasonable temperature 
  • Ensuring bathrooms are a reasonable distance away from desks
  • Ensuring employees feel comfortable with those working around them
  • Limiting outside noise as much as possible

Your employees not only deserve to feel comfortable at the office, but it will increase their happiness and boost their productivity. 

Snacks and beverages

Who doesn’t love a snack? Many employers are now providing snacks for their employees as a perk to fill that midday pang of hunger.

If this is something you’d like to provide for your employees, we recommend speaking with them to develop a list of snacks for the office. This can range from nuts and crackers, to more elaborate fare like popcorn from a popcorn machine.

Want to go even further and treat your employees to an end of the day treat? At some offices, you’ll find a keg of beer or glasses of wine in the kitchen. While it’s smart to ensure your employees won’t abuse this treat, if you have faith that they’ll be responsible, this is a great perk for your hardworking employees.

 

Natural light 

Nothing brightens an attitude quite like natural light. In addition to making the natural design of your space stand out, natural light brings a sense of warmth to your space that nothing can replicate.

Natural light has been shown to increase happiness in employees, productivity on your team, and genuinely make your employees healthier. 

While it can be hard to find opportunities to introduce natural light to your office, adding windows, a skylight, or easier-to-manage window coverings can make all the difference in the amount of natural light in your space.

Enough space for your entire team

A common complaint we hear from employees is that they feel like sardines in a tin. While jamming as many people into an office as possible is technically cheaper (as you don’t need as much space), distractions and claustrophobia can make it difficult to work productively. 

This is increasingly common with the recent popularity of open office spaces. While more closed off spaces make it impossible to fully maximize space, open floor plans often make business owners feel like they can maximize every inch of an office. While in 2010 the average office worker got 225 square feet per employee, in 2017 that number went down to 151 square feet. That is a straling drop in just 7 years!

We recommend at least 250 square feet for your employees to feel happy and not squished.

Flexible schedule

While work will always need to get done, giving your employees the autonomy to work slightly altered schedules to ensure they are living a balanced life is crucial to employee happiness. While employees should probably not be able to come and go as they please, allowing them flexibility can actually increase productivity.

For instance, allowing employees who are better at working in the morning to come in and leave early, while employees who are more productive in the afternoon to come in and stay later will result in better work. Letting employees leave for appointments or to take care of important personal matters will ensure their focus is on work while they’re at their job without distraction.

Giving your employees this freedom can unlock productivity you never knew you had! 

 

Taking and implementing feedback on your space

Listening to your employees and taking their feedback can be crucial for making them happier. 

Everyone needs to feel like they are being listened to. Whether it’s that the office is too loud, too cold, there is not enough space to work adequately, or any other issue, it’s impossible for your employees to feel happy if they do not feel listened to. 

While not every employee request will be possible, make sure to provide an adequate response to requests. Even if your response is“it’s too expensive,” giving them this feedback will be more effective than no answer at all. 

Give your employees a space they can feel proud of

Cascade Building Services has been helping employers provide clean and well-maintained commercial properties to happy employees for over 50 years.

We’re available to help 24/7/365 to help you keep your commercial space in tip-top shape. We are the city’s trusted source for building maintenance and cleaning — whether you need a one-time cleaning or an ongoing program.

Let us know how we can help!

How-to-motivate-employees-through-sustainability-initiatives

How to Tap into Sustainability to Motivate Your Employees

by Advice

Today’s leading companies — particularly those here in the Portland area — are tapping into green and environmentally-friendly practices to help motivate and engage employees. Your company can do the same!

Keep reading to learn how sustainability initiatives can boost employee engagement and the steps your business can take to reap these benefits.

 

The case for going green in your Oregon workplace

Beyond the important environmental benefits of going green, implementing sustainability tactics will help you encourage a stronger, happier workforce. Just consider the following statistics:

  • 51% of employees won’t work for a company that doesn’t have strong environmental commitments.
  • Among Generation Y employees, 96% are concerned about the environment and expect their employers to take steps towards becoming more sustainable.
  • 25% of employees say they will look for a new job if they discover their employer doesn’t handle environmental issues well.

At a time when finding and retaining great employees can be difficult, creating a workplace where employee engagement and satisfaction is high is essential for maintaining an effective team.

 

Why is employee engagement important?

Employee engagement and satisfaction refer to the extent to which your employees feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to your company, and take their responsibilities seriously.

Employee engagement is a major focus for companies — from large corporations to small mom-and-pop businesses. That’s because studies consistently show that the more engaged and satisfied your employees are, the more motivated they are help your business succeed.

Knowing that sustainability is very important for today’s employees, it’s no wonder more and more companies are adopting environmentally-friendly practices as an employee engagement and satisfaction strategy.

 

How to make your company more environmentally-friendly

The best way to implement a work culture focused on sustainability (and at the same time tap into this employee engagement goldmine) is to start with efforts that directly involve and affect your entire staff.

While your approach should be catered to the unique personality and culture of your company, below are 4 widely-used and well-received tactics to try.

 

1. Create a green team

Invite employees to develop a green team.

What exactly does this team do? The goal of this group is to build internal awareness of your efforts, educate employees on important environmental issues, and provide opportunities for employees to brainstorm and give their sustainability ideas.

This is a great way to gain a better understanding of what sustainability measures are most important to your staff. From there, you’ll be better equipped to develop an approach that fits the needs of your workers.

What’s more, a green team is also a great way to get your entire staff on board with your environmental initiatives.

 

2. Implement a company recycling program

Not only is a recycling program something many employees want and appreciate, it may also be required. Some metro areas and counties in and around Portland require businesses to meet certain recycling requirements.

You can find recycling requirements for the Portland metro area here. Washington County’s recycling requirements are similar and can be found here. Look at your county’s requirements closely, but most areas expect businesses to…

  1. Give employees the ability to recycle
  2. Recycle paper and containers (metal cans, plastic bottles and tubs, and glass bottles and jars)
  3. Sort and separate recyclables correctly (glass is almost always collected separately)
  4. Set out materials for recycling collection

Above all, make it easy for your employees by keeping recycle receptacles easily accessible. You may even want to place posters above bin showing what should go in each one and what shouldn’t.

While setting out bins seems easy enough, the logistics can be a little tricky. If you need some assistance managing the program, you may be interested in our recycling services. We not only manage your recycling, but make sure the program is working efficiently and that your business is in compliance with local regulations.

How to Encourage Recycling at Work

Need some assistance getting your recycling program off the ground? Check out our guide on how to set up a system that works.

Or call us at (503) 691-0776 to learn how we can help manage your recycling program

Read More

3. Provide employee commuter benefits

Portland has repeatedly been named one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US. Not to mention our great public transportation system. With this in mind, encouraging employees to take advantage of these green transportation methods makes a lot of sense and will be well received.

There are a number of things you can do to encourage employees to use a more sustainable form of transportation during their commutes. Some favorite initiatives include:

  • Providing TriMet passes or reimbursing a percentage of the fee
  • Offering a reimbursement for qualified bicycle commuters
  • Coordinating a rideshare program
  • Providing ample and secure bicycle parking and bicycle repair services

Keep in mind you can also subsidize some or all of the costs of employee transit passes as a business expense. As of 2018, the allowable limit $225 per month, per employee. Learn more.

 

4. Maintain a clean & environmentally-friendly office

You have a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment for your employees. But many local employers expand this requirement to include providing a space that encourages a healthier, more productive team. That starts with maintaining a clean office space.

Did you know that a desk is statistically dirtier than the office toilet? Or that most water cooler nozzles never get cleaned? Gross! A clean office improves health, keeps employees focused, reduces stress, and prevents accidents.

However, it’s not enough to simply schedule a cleaner once a week. You also need to make sure your cleaning company is using environmentally friendly cleaning methods and products. That’s because the chemicals found in most cleaning products aren’t just bad for the environment, they’re dangerous for your employees health too.

Consider this list of chemicals below — all which are commonly found in traditional cleaning products:

  • Perchloroethylene — May cause cancer and harm your brain, liver, and kidneys, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Naphthalene — May cause cancer and is considered very harmful to the central nervous system.
  • Ammonium Hydroxide — A corrosive chemical that irritates the lungs, skin, and eyes

Keep your employees safe and encourage a more environmentally-friendly space by only using a cleaning company that uses sustainable products and cleaning methods.

But don’t let these efforts go unnoticed! Make sure to let your employees know that you care about their health and wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of the environment.

 

It’s easy being green with Cascade Building Services

For over 50 years, we’ve delivered top-quality, environmentally-friendly cleaning services to Portland area businesses. Eco-friendliness and sustainability are important to us. So is the health of our clients and their employees. That’s why we only use products that:

  • Deliver exceptional results
  • Ensure a sustainable workplace
  • Are free from harmful odors and toxins
  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Help us provide a clean and safe work environment

Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

 

Dirties-places-in-your-office-Cascade-Building-Services

7 Places in Your Office You Don’t Clean Enough but Should!

by AdviceProperty Management

Is your office really clean enough to work in? 

Most business owners pay attention to basic office cleaning tasks like sweeping and vacuuming the floors, cleaning the bathrooms, and taking out the trash. This is a good start, but with so many people sharing the same space, a basic cleaning isn’t enough.

There are countless areas in your office that are swarming with germs. Here’s a dirty little secret: an office coffee pot handle contains 34 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! 

Learn the 7 most overlooked areas of your office that need to be cleaned regularly to keep your facility productive, healthy, and safe. 

80% of infections spread via contact with contaminated surfaces.

 

1. Handles

 

The handles in your office are a hot spot for germs. Door handles are an obvious culprit, but there’s much more to pay attention to than that. Some of dirtiest handles in your office belong to:

  • Sinks
  • Refrigerators
  • Microwaves
  • Coffee pots
  • Handrails

 

2. Buttons & Switches

Just like the handles in your building, you should also pay attention to the buttons scattered around your space. 

  • Water fountains
  • Vending machines
  • Elevators
  • Light switches

 

3. Breakroom

Your break or lunch room area is one of the germiest places in your office. One study — the most comprehensive ever conducted on workplace cleanliness — found a huge number of breakroom surfaces to have a high level of bacteria contamination.

  • 75% of break room sink faucet handles
  • 48% of microwave door handles
  • 26% of refrigerator door handles
  • 23% of water fountain buttons
  • 21% of vending machine buttons

All of these surfaces can be found in a typical office break or lunchroom. Employees may be spreading germs throughout the workplace every time they heat up lunch, make coffee, or grab something from the vending machine.

 

4. Desk equipment

 

An employee’s desk surface is home to about 10 million germs at any one time!

Personal workspaces need to be wiped down and disinfected on a regular basis. Although you can hope each employee will practice these proper hygiene habits, its best not to leave the health of the entire office in their hands. 

Take a trip around your office. How many phones will you find with pockets of gunk in the receiver or in-between numbers? Are computer screens covered in dust? Are there crumbs between keyboards?  The answer is probably yes. But even if they appear to be relatively clean, there’s a lot you’re not seeing!

Phones, computers, keyboards, mouse…these are things your employees are touching on a daily basis. You need to keep them clean to help avoid the spread of germs throughout your office.

 

5. Furniture & Upholstery

Office furniture often slips under the radar when it comes to cleaning tasks. After all, if it doesn’t look dirty, why clean it? But in this case, what you can’t see can still hurt you. 

Even if your office furniture doesn’t look dirty, dust, oil, residue, and bacteria are piling up on a daily basis. These pieces should be cleaned regularly to help stop the spread of germs throughout your office. 

Don’t forget to clean:

  • Lobby seating
  • Employee lounge seating
  • Desk chairs
  • Cubicle partitions
  • Anything made from a fabric material

 

6. Curtains & Blinds

You probably already clean your windows regularly, but what about your blinds, shades, or curtains? Just like your other upholstery, these things need to be cleaned regularly. 

Window coverings collect dust super easily. The longer you wait to clean them, the more unhealthy dust will spread around your office. Prevent the spread of germs and ensure healthy air quality for your team.

 

How to fight germs in your office

 

Getting your office on a regular, thorough cleaning schedule is the first step toward a cleaner, healthier workspace. 

Talk with a local cleaning service and discuss the frequency and specific services your space needs. Make sure the cleaning company you choose has a proven track record and will do more than just sweep the floors and run a rag over your countertops. When it comes to cleaning your office, look for a detail-oriented and thorough team.

For your bacteria-free office dreams to come true, you’ll also need the help of your employees. Practicing good office hygiene is imperative. Here are some good strategies to get everyone on board:

  • Post handwashing signs in the bathroom (1 in 6 men don’t wash their hands after using the restroom!)
  • Schedule time on the calendar for monthly desk cleaning sessions, encouraging employees to clean their workspace
  • Keep cleaning supplies at the ready for employees who need them
  • Form a daily kitchen cleaning schedule, delegating responsibility to a different team every week

Taking steps to keep your space as clean as possible is important. You must take your responsibility to provide a clean and sanitary workplace to your employees seriously. However, despite your best efforts, there will always be some germs in your space — it’s inevitable in an office building! 

We’re here to help. No matter the size of your facility, we can create a customized cleaning plan just for you. Contact us now to schedule an in-person quote.

 

Keep reading more on our blog…

Office-productivity-tips

6 Things About Your Office That Drive Portland Employees Crazy

by Adviceportland

Studies show the physical environment employees work in directly influences their wellbeing, work performance, and productivity. But even with the best intentions, many Portland business owners are missing the mark.

What environmental factors really matter when creating a positive, productive office environment?

You might be surprised. Take a look at the 6 most common things about your Portland office your employees can’t stand.

 

1. Noise level and bad acoustics

The quality of acoustics in your office is really important.

A loud office environment is frustrating for Portland employees. Even the most focused individual will start to crack in an environment constantly barraged with audible clutter. Loud noises in an office space are linked with a lot of problems:

  • Stress
  • Unproductivity
  • Exhaustion
  • Poor ergonomics
  • Miscommunication

Open office environments are largely to blame for the clamour of the modern-day work environment. An open office layout may inspire increased collaboration and creativity, but there’s no denying it can also be hugley distracting.

If you have an open layout, office noise reduction tactics might include spacing out your employees, adding cubicle walls or other separators between departments, or installing a white noise machine to muffle chatter and ensure privacy.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, avoid making your office too quiet. Some level of background noise is necessary and can help with:

  • Privacy
  • Productivity
  • Concentration
  • Creativity

 

2. Poor air quality

Does your office feel stuffy? Kitchen smells wafting into your workspace? The strong odor of cleaning chemicals after your janitorial team comes through?

Keeping the air in your office space fresh is important. Many people can be sensitive to odors, causing headaches or other physical issues. And there’s nothing quite like cooked broccoli or the smell of tuna or other fish to break your concentration.

Make sure you install an effective air filtration system to keep the air fresh. Oil diffusers can be helpful as well, though you should again be careful with what scents you use.

You should also make sure your cleaning crew is using safe, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies that won’t leave behind a strong chemical odor.

 

3. Too cold or too hot

No one wants to work (or even can work productively) in an office space that’s too hot or cold.

For years it was thought that colder office environments are better for productivity. But new studies are throwing all this out the window.

OSHA recommends employers maintain workplace temperatures between 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit. Many Portland employees consider 70 to 73 as ideal for the office. However, a Cornell study found temperatures as high as 77 to be optimal.

 

4. Unclean space

The average employee loses 9 working days a year due to sickness. Some of these sick days may be attributed to a lack of workplace hygiene and cleanliness. A clean office is a productive office — it’s as simple as that!

A few other happy results of a clean office include:

  • Increased focus
  • Reduced stress
  • Greater profitability
  • Less wasted time
  • Improved morale

Every office should have an established cleaning schedule. If you don’t have an in-house cleaning team, work with a janitorial company to ensure your space is properly cleaned.

How often should your office be cleaned? Large buildings likely need nightly cleaning services while smaller offices could get away with once a week. And remember that areas like kitchen and bathroom require extra care to ensure employee health and safety.

Whether you do nightly or weekly cleanings, you should also plan larger monthly or quarterly deep cleans to ensure you space stays in tip-top shape. This includes carpet cleaning, cleaning windows, and floor maintenance.

 

5. No recycling

51% of employees won’t work for a company that doesn’t have strong environmental commitments. And 25% say they will look for a new job if they discover their employer doesn’t handle environmental issues well.

There are many ways you can promote a green office environment, but one of the easiest (and most expected by employees in Portland) is a recycling program. Not only is it something many employees want and appreciate, it may also be a requirement.

Most counties expect businesses to provide recycling bins, recycle paper and containers, and separate recyclables correctly.

Depending on the size of your business, it may be beneficial to partner with a commercial recycling service. They can manage your recycling program, make sure its working efficiency, maximize recycling in your company, and answer any questions along the way.

 

6. Poor building maintenance

You can have the cleanest office building in town, but it won’t matter if it’s falling apart at the seams.

If you own your office building, regular building maintenance and property management is crucial for the happiness and safety of your employees.

There are a spectrum of maintenance tasks to keep an eye on in your office — from ceiling tile repair or replacement, blind cleaning, changing light bulbs, and more.

Anytime you have a maintenance issue arise, avoid the negative effects it can have on productivity, morale, and safety by taking care of it quickly.

Most Portland businesses hire a building maintenance company to handle these issues. You have enough on your plate as it is, don’t add building maintenance to your to-do list.

 

Happy employees are good for business

As we’ve discussed, creating a happy, healthy work environment for employees is beneficial to your company. Losing an employee due to a poor work environment is not something you ever want to happen: Dealing with employee turnover is a huge waste of time and money!

When you provide a positive work environment, you’ll reap the benefits!

  • Better employee decision making abilities
  • Increased innovation
  • More productivity
  • Better employee engagement
  • Better customer service
  • More sales (happy people sell more!)

 

How can we help improve your work environment?

For over 50 years, Cascade Building Services has been helping fuel clean, environmentally friendly, and well-maintained commercial properties (and in turn, happy employees) throughout Portland.

We provide services 24 hours per day 365 days per year. We are the city’s trusted source for building maintenance and cleaning — whether you need a one-time cleaning or an ongoing program.

Let us know how we can help!

Portland cityscape

Sustainable Property Management in Oregon: 9 Tips You Need to Know

by Advicecascade building servicesProperty Management

Looking to make a difference in your community, save money, and make your property stand out from the competition? Sustainable property management may be just what the doctor ordered.

Read on to learn 9 ways to practice sustainable building management and be part of the green revolution!

Take a holistic approach

First things first — sustainability is more than just an advertising tactic. While it may seem like you can get in on the trend by just slapping a “sustainable” sticker on your office or apartment complex, it takes more to really adhere to sustainable property management practices.

Not only is false advertising, potential tenants will see right through your attempt at being sustainable without any actual sustainable actions. Conversely, an honest attempt at sustainability as a property manager will come across well. It will impress tenants and make potential tenants more likely to rent your space.

Once you do it right, flaunt it

While we encourage you to focus your efforts on good-faith sustainable actions, it does not mean you shouldn’t tell people about the awesome sustainable things you’re doing.

Don’t be afraid to let people know the initiatives you’re proud of, sustainability related or otherwise. People like to be a part of causes they care about, and will be interested in the sustainable actions you’re taking to better the world and your community.

 

Reduce your carbon footprint where possible

While it’s impossible to run a commercial building or office and have a zero carbon footprint, reducing your consumption of fossil fuels will go a long way towards truly practicing sustainable property management

Some ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your commercial building include:

  • Optimized HVAC system: Heating and cooling comprises over 40% of carbon emissions! Making sure your system is running smoothly and only when necessary will not only save you money, but is great for the earth as well.
  • Good insulation: Though more expensive at first, properly insulating your building will cut down on heating and cooling costs quick.
  • Water: Installing low flow shower heads and faucets will reduce water use while still providing a great experience for your tenants.
  • Lighting: Using energy efficient light bulbs, integrating an open floor plan, and taking advantage of natural light will use less power to light your space.

Energy Star appliances

Another great way to cut down on energy use is through using Energy Star appliances. Energy Star appliances run significantly more efficient than older models, often with the same or better performance than less efficient models. To qualify appliances must be 10-50% more efficient.

Appliances to consider include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Washers
  • Televisions
  • Air Conditioners
  • Stoves

Use recycled materials when possible

When choosing materials for new spaces for your property, start with recycled options to see if there are any good fits. These items could be upcycled materials or even things made from recycled materials.

Using these recycled materials will cut down on mining and extraction of new materials. This cuts down on deforestation and is overall better for the earth. It’s also one of the things that very much defines being sustainable — you’re lengthening the usefulness of items.

This doesn’t have to lead to higher costs, either! In reality, many of these materials are the same price or cheaper. A win-win!

Get your tenants involved

People like being a part of something good. Being environmentally friendly is no different. If they feel like there are sustainability efforts going on around them, they’ll want to be a part of it.

If tenants feel like they’re a part of your sustainability efforts, they’ll feel ownership in your building and will also be more sustainable in their actions. Provide avenues for them to act sustainably. When they see you making an honest effort, it will be easy for them to follow suit.


Encourage recycling

Besides adhering to the law, recycling limits the waste your building produces. Setting up a program is necessary, but empowering your tenants to do the same is different. Make sure to give them easy access to recycling receptacles so they feel empowered to do their part!

At the bare minimum, you should…

  • Recycle paper and containers (metal cans, plastic bottles and tubs, and glass bottles and jars)
  • Sort and separate recyclables correctly (make sure to separate the glass specifically!)
  • Set out materials for recycling collection

Recycling actually does not take much work! With a company like Cascade Building Services by your side, the logistics are easy. We can help you set up your recycling program and make sure you’re compliant and doing the truly sustainable thing!

Solar panels

Though a massive project, harnessing the power of the sun to lessen your reliance on fossil fuels is one of the best ways possible to make your building more sustainable.

A significant federal tax credit is available for commercial businesses called the Solar Investment Tax Credit. This credit provides a 30% rebate on the investment in a solar panel system. You must as quick, however! This tax rebate is being scaled back and will no longer exist after 2022. This rebate is only available to commercial property owners who own their solar panels. Those who lease solar panels are not eligible.

With solar panels, you’ll also be paying significantly less for energy monthly. While you’ll likely be making payments on the purchase, it will still be significantly less than what you’re paying for energy from the utility company.

On top of all of this, you’ll be lessening your reliance on the power grid, which comes from either coal-powered energy plants or hydroelectric power plants. While hydroelectric weens us off of coal, it still does ecological and cultural damage to major riverways. Solar is the only truly sustainable choice for energy consumption.

Use green cleaning supplies

Chemicals are almost never a good thing. Everything eventually ends up in the ocean, and chemical leach from something as simple as windex is no different. They’re also damaging to the health of your tenants and their animals.

This does not mean your space has to be dirty, however! Professional maintenance companies like Cascade Build Services specialize in cleaning spaces using only environmentally friendly methods. This is not only sustainable, but will ensure your commercial space or apartment or condo complex is a safe and welcoming environmentally friendly space.

Cascade Building Services can help you run your commercial space sustainably!

For over 50 years, we’ve delivered sustainable building management and janitorial services to Portland area businesses. Sustainability is important to us. So is the health of our clients and their tenants. We only use products that:

  • Deliver exceptional results
  • Ensure a sustainable workplace
  • Are free from harmful odors and toxins
  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Help us provide a clean and safe work environment

Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

How-to-hire-the-best-commercial-carpet-cleaner

What to Know Before Hiring a Commercial Carpet Cleaner in Portland

by AdviceCarpet Cleaning

Every carpet cleaning company in Portland claims to be the best. How do you weed through the masses and choose one providing high-quality work, excellent service, and great value?

When it comes to carpet cleaning services, you need to know the cleaning methods available and what to look for in a company. Armed with this knowledge, you can easily gauge which cleaning company is the right fit for your commercial business.

 

Standard vs. green carpet cleaning

The first step in choosing a commercial carpet cleaner is to consider whether you want a company with an eco-friendly approach.

Standard cleaning approach

Most everyday carpet cleaning companies take a conventional approach. They use strong chemical solvents and cleaners. You might be drawn to these companies simply because they often advertise lower prices. But at what cost?

Toxic chemical cleaning solutions are just that – toxic. They weaken your carpet, limiting its lifespan and leading to frequent carpet replacements. Chemical cleaning solutions also leave unwanted residue. Strong chemical smells can irritate lungs and cause health problems.

Green cleaning approach

Choosing a company with an environmentally responsible approach is good for both your carpet and your team. Eco-friendly solutions are gentle on your carpet. They also prevent toxic chemicals from lingering in the air of your building. Plus, you’ll avoid the sticky film on your carpet commonly found after chemical treatments.

A non-toxic approach does not sacrifice quality – just the opposite! Ion exchange technology is safe for children, pets, and allergy sufferers. It also effectively cleans, disinfects, and restores your carpet.

Discover the benefits of an environmentally-responsible approach to carpet cleaning
Learn More

Not all carpet cleaning methods are created equal

Did you know there are several ways to professionally clean your carpet?

In the 1800s, carpet cleaning involved scrubbing a mixture of bull urine and water on the surface. This was followed by covering the carpet with a clay paste, allowing it to dry, and washing the carpet with chloroform.

Needless to say, we’ve come a long way since the early days of professional carpet cleaning.

Hot water extraction cleaning

The hot water extraction cleaning method uses high pressure hot water to loosen carpet fibres and dissolve dirt caught inside. Though this is one of the most common services offered by cleaning companies, there are disadvantages:

  • Long drying time
  • Chemicals leave a strong odor
  • Weakens and damages your carpet
  • Requires long hoses connected to outdoor equipment, meaning your building must remain open during the cleaning (compromising security)

Carpet shampooing

Shampoo carpet cleaning is a dated process that peaked in popularity during the early 1970s. Yet it is still used by many cleaning companies today. This method does clean heavily soiled carpet. However it also leaves a foamy residue that becomes slightly sticky as it dries.

Encapsulation cleaning

Encapsulation cleaning is a popular, modern alternative to carpet shampooing. This carpet cleaning process uses synthetic detergents that turn into powder once dried. Less water is used during this process, resulting in shorter drying times. It also leaves less chemical residue than carpet shampooing, but does not eliminate it completely.

Low-moisture cleaning

A relatively new and highly popular cleaning technology, low-moisture carpet cleaning uses a biodegradable cleaning material to effectively absorb dirt.

This cleaning method has many benefits:

  • No leftover chemical residue or smell
  • Dries incredibly fast (within 2 hours)
  • Safe for all types of carpet
  • Can be completed on commercial offices that operate 24/7 (does not disrupt business)
  • Does not require hoses to be connected outdoors

 

Industry specialization makes a difference

Commercial carpet cleaners often specialize in a select number of industries. This is because the ins and outs of effectively cleaning a carpet will vary from one type of business to the next.

For example, security requirements vary for cleaning banks, hospitals, or warehouses. Additionally, if you’re looking for carpet cleaning in highly specific type of space – for instance, a stairwell – be sure to confirm the company has a solid track record of effectively cleaning these types of spaces.

Keep in mind: the best commercial carpet cleaners will provide a customized cleaning plan to meet your business’ specific needs.

 

Compare companies by asking the right questions

Understanding the approach a carpet cleaning company offers, cleaning methods used, and their history of experience is the best way to narrow down your search.

From here, there are other important qualities to consider. We recommend making your choice by evaluating how well the company meets the following requirements:

  • Uses their own employees (doesn’t contract day laborers)
  • Offers flexible hours to meet your needs
  • Has a strong, trusted reputation in the local community
  • Is happy to provide a list of references
  • Offers a range of specialized services to handle any unexpected cleaning needs
  • Is easy to talk to and communicate with
  • Provides a high-quality customer service experience

Not sure how to evaluate these qualities?

Choosing a Commercial Cleaner

Learn what to ask a commercial cleaning company

Find out why Portland businesses choose Cascade Building Services

Are you ready to get started and hire the best commercial carpet cleaner for your business? Contact us at (503) 691-0776. We’d love to answer all your questions and provide you with a free quote.

At Cascade Building Services, we’ve been providing high-quality commercial carpet cleaning services to the Portland area for over 50 years. We offer services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offer an environmentally responsible approach you can trust. You’ll love our friendly team, commitment to safety and security, and excellent results.

Office-cleaning-maintenance-calendar

Office Maintenance Calendar for Portland Businesses

by Advicecascade building services

Building maintenance is one of the most important aspects of owning or managing a commercial property in the Portland area. Keeping your building clean and in good condition protects your investment and ensures you’re providing a safe and professional environment for your employees or tenants.

This goes far beyond just sweeping the floor and cleaning the bathroom once a week. For best results, pay attention to every inch of your space. Make sure you understand what cleaning need to be completed and at what frequency.

 

Proactive vs. reactive building maintenance

There are two ways you can tackle your building upkeep…

  1. Waiting until there’s a problem and taking care of any issues as they happen
  2. Being proactive about maintenance and establishing a regularly scheduled maintenance calendar

Can you guess which approach we recommend?

There may be times when reactive maintenance is necessary to maintain a safe, efficient, and OSHA compliant workplace. But adopting a proactive cleaning approach will help you prevent issues in the first place!

 

The benefits of proactive building maintenance

Take a moment to soak up all the wonderful benefits of adopting a proactive building cleaning and maintenance approach:

  • Increases your building maintenance service or team’s transparency and accountability.
  • Leads to fewer large-scale repairs or maintenance projects.
  • Since planned work can be scheduled, it minimizes disruption.
  • Planned work also improves budget control.
  • Improves OSHA compliance with health and safety requirements.
  • Increases overall staff/tenant satisfaction and helps encourage efficiency and productivity.

Did you pick up on a familiar theme here? Proactive maintenance saves you money!

Conversely, taking a strictly reactive approach is very costly. Fixing problems is almost always more expensive than preventing them. Plus, there’s the overall faster wear and tear of your building to consider. And don’t forget about unpredictability. You’ll never know when something might go wrong and completely upend the flow of business.

 

Tips for creating an office maintenance calendar

So how do you create a proactive cleaning and maintenance schedule that’s right for your office? What tasks should be included on this calendar? And how often should they happen?

To come up with a plan, you’ll first need to consider the unique factors of your business…

  • Size of your space – How many rooms and floors does your office have? What is the square footage? This will play a part in how much time will need to be dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the space.
  • Number of employees and people in your space – How many people do you have working in your office? And how many clients or customers visit your office every week? This will make a huge difference in how much daily wear and tear your space experiences and how quickly the space will get dirty.
  • Type of work being performed – Similarly, the day-to-day operations of the office can affect how often a cleaning or maintenance task needs to be performed.
  • Materials and spaces that need cleaning – Does your office have wood floors? Carpets? Multiple bathrooms? Reception area and kitchen? Other heavily trafficked areas?
  • Operating hours – Consider what hours your office can be made available for cleaning and maintenance without disturbing the daily operations of the business.

Keeping all these things in mind, it’s time to start working on creating a cleaning and maintenance schedule.

Pro Tip: Aim to make a preliminary list on your own to give you a better idea of the scope of work. Once that’s done, consider enlisting the help of a professional Portland building service company to dial in the specifics of your schedule and put your plan in action.

 

Types of office maintenance needed

What does keeping your office in tip-top shape involve?

There are some specific tasks that every business should have set on their preventive maintenance calendar. We’re laying them all out below. It’s kind of a lot, but bear with us — these are all very important for keeping your space in great condition.

 

General Interior Cleaning/Maintenance

  • Empty waste bins and replace liners
  • Dust and disinfect desks, chairs, tables, and other furniture and horizontal surfaces
  • Vacuum carpets, mats, and sweep hard floors
  • Mop all hard floors
  • Clean away fingerprints and marks from around light switches, door frames, internal glass, and doors
  • Clean elevators and stairwells
  • Clean lighting fixtures and replace bulbs as needed
  • Clean all glass windows and doors (both inside & outside)
  • Vacuum vents and chairs
  • Test smoke detectors and service other fire protection equipment (sprinklers, alarms, etc.)
  • Clean and replace air filters, fans, and ventilators as needed

 

Bathrooms

  • Stock toilet paper, tissue, and hand soap
  • Clean and polish mirrors
  • Wipe down hand towel dispensers and hand dryers
  • Clean and sanitize all sink basins
  • Remove splash marks from walls
  • Mop clean floors with disinfectant
  • Clean and disinfect toilets and urinals

 

Kitchen or eating areas

  • Toss old/moldy food left in the fridge
  • Wipe down and disinfect fridge, inside and out
  • Clean counters, wipe down cupboards
  • Polish appliances

 

Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance

  • Pick up trash around property
  • Mow and weed lawn
  • Mulch and landscape
  • Trim shrubs and trees
  • Perform pest control
  • Pressure wash building
  • Monitor parking lot condition, restriping when necessary

Your full maintenance list may be longer or shorter than this, depending on your situation. And of course, not all of these tasks need to be completed every day. Many are once-a-year responsibilities.

The exact frequency of each task will be determined by the factors we discussed earlier in this article and based on the recommendation of your building service company.

We recommend creating a spreadsheet that includes every maintenance task needed and outlines its frequency. You can also use this spreadsheet to log the last time the task was performed and keep tabs on upcoming projects.

 

Let’s develop your custom office maintenance schedule

Taking a preventive approach and staying up-to-date on office maintenance tasks takes a lot of work! It’s why so many property managers and business owners partner with a professional building services company to outsource the tasks.

Cascade Building Services has been providing complete building cleaning and commercial janitorial and specialized services since 1961. We help Portland-area businesses prevent issues by keeping their space clean and polished.

Talk to us about a recommended cleaning schedule. We’re happy to review your situation and provide our professional opinion on what tasks should be completed and at what frequency.

Portland-business-office-decoration-tips

Portland-Inspired Decorating Tips for Your Business

by Adviceportland

Your office environment makes a big difference in the success of your business. If your space is notoriously dark, cold, and dirty you can’t hope to inspire employee engagement and productivity. But if your office is comfortable, clean, and aesthetically pleasing, you’ll encourage success.

Here in the Portland area, there are so many great qualities to draw inspiration from to help decorate your office. Keep reading for some Rose City inspired tips for decorating your business office in a way that speaks to the beautiful area we live, meets the needs of employees, and highlights the personality of your business.

 

Start by choosing the right layout

Gone are the days of cubicles and closed off working spaces. Today, 80% of companies are opting for open-concept floor plans.

An open-office layout has many benefits, like increased collaboration and communication — even helping keep energy high among teams. Still, there are pros and cons to an open floor plan setting. You’ll need to think about your industry, company culture, number of employees, and how the space is used before deciding whether or not an open layout is right for you.

If you’re not quite ready to commit to an open floor plan, consider a hybrid option. This type of design allows for collaboration with open, communal areas, but also accommodates the need for quieter enclosed spaces.

Ultimately, unless you’re planning on remodeling your space, the design layout you choose will largely be determined by the current functionality of your space. But having an idea of what type of environment you want to encourage will help as you think about decorations.

 

Spice up your walls

One of the easiest ways to bring company character and some local personality to your office is through your walls.

This doesn’t mean you have to go wild with paint colors — after all, many companies have a minimalistic personality. But even if you like the simple look, adding pops of color on your walls is a good idea. Especially considering the right colors in your space can have a powerful psychological effect on your people, causing them to feel happier, relaxed, and motivated.

Here are some ideas to spice up your walls.

Integrate brand colors

When choosing your wall paint and art, consider incorporating your brand’s colors to help uphold a consistent style to better reflect your business. If you have a company mission, values, or slogan, another idea is to have it painted on a main entry wall or communal area.

Choose local art

Incorporating local artwork is a great way to pay homage to your city. Here in Portland, we have a robust community of talented artists. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase some of this excellent artwork, or commission an artist to create some one-of-a-kind pieces for your space!

Hang team photos

Company photos are a fun way to add some personality to your space. Whether it’s historical photos of your building or group photos from your last team outing, photos on the wall help add a personal and home-like feeling to the space.

Paint accent walls

A great way to add pops of color without being overbearing is to paint one or two accent walls. Don’t limit yourself to just a different color of paint. You could also create a wall mural or hire a local artist to paint a unique scene or design on the wall.

 

Maximize energy with good lighting and lots of plants

The lighting in your office will make or break how your employees feel about the space. You can have beautiful furniture, excellent color choices, and the modern desks, but it will all be for naught if you don’t have good lighting.

Natural lighting is always best, so start there. Portland is known for our gray, rainy days, so ensure all your window areas are unobstructed to allow for the best possible light. If you have blinds, keep them open during the day. And get your windows cleaned on a regular basis to ensure smudges and other debris aren’t affecting light flow.

Pay attention to the type of artificial light you add to your space. Always avoid fluorescent lights, as they throw a lot of glare and distort colors, including human complexions. Floor lamps are a great way to add a welcoming ambiance, and providing desk lamps allow employees to customize their own individual light needs.

Adding lush greenery around the office is another excellent way to bring natural energy to your space. It’s also a great nod to our beautiful Pacific Northwest. From large ferns and potted trees to desktop plants and succulents — there are endless options for incorporating plants in your office.

 

Choose cozy, friendly accents

Portland is known for its many comfortable and trendy coffee shops and welcoming indoor spaces. Bring some of that same friendly energy to your office by adding homey accents throughout your space.

Some great ways to do this include:

  • Creating an open and cozy communal space
  • Adding couches and alternative seating options, like window benches, bar seating, or cafe tables
  • Using comfy pillows
  • Adding rugs around the office
  • Setting up bookshelves and other unique storage pieces
  • Adding mirrors and other unique decorations (take advantage of the city’s amazing thrift and vintage shops for inspiration!)

Think of your office decorations as an additional employee benefit and you may come up with other unique ideas. Some ideas companies have implemented are:

  • Ping-pong tables
  • Espresso machine
  • Fully stocked bar cart
  • Kombucha or beer tap
  • Employee gym

 

Allow for desk personalization

As you plan your decorations and implement your ideas, allow room for employees to personalize their own space. Encourage your teams to integrate any elements that will keep them motivated throughout the day — whether that’s storage and organizational items, artwork, or personal items.

Giving employees the freedom to make the space their own will bring a lot of personality to your office.

 

Keep your space clean

All the time and thought you’ve put into your design and decoration will be wasted if your space is dirty. So whether you have an eclectic design vibe or a modern, minimalistic style, keeping your office space clean is important.

No one wants to work in a dirty space, and especially in the rainy months, dirt and mud accumulation on the floors happens fast. But no matter what time of the year, your office should be cleaned regularly.

If you have a large office with a lot of employees, you may require a mid-week touch up (especially in restroom and kitchen areas). And communal trash cans should be emptied every day. For those with carpeted flooring, carpet cleaning is important once a quarter or so as well.

 

Let your office design shine — we can help

Since 1961, Cascade Building Services has been proud to offer comprehensive building cleaning and janitorial services to businesses throughout the Portland area. We specialize in helping business owners and office managers ensure their space is clean at all times — our goal is to help your office design shine!

From janitorial services and floor maintenance to carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and recycling services — we’ve handled nearly every type of cleaning job and offer a team that’s trusted and experienced.

Let us know how we can help!

how-to-recycle-in-portland

A Guide to Recycling In Portland

by AdviceJanitorial ServicesUncategorized

Whether you just moved here, or are a native Portlander, knowing how to recycle in the Rose City can get confusing. Portland has one of the highest recycling rates in the country, keeping 70% of its waste out of local landfills.

If you want to do your part for the environment, and do it correctly, this article will help clear up those gray areas surrounding recycling regulations in Portland.

We’ll tell you what you can put into each roll cart, as well as how to find your collection schedule and roll cart weight limitations. Then we’ll look at how to start composting  in Portland, as well as commercial recycling basics. You can also contact Cascade Building Services if you want to speak with a recycling expert today.

Basic Tips For Recycling At The Curb

To rinse or not to rinse, that is the question. The need to rinse depends on the recycling provider in your area, but here are some general rules to follow:

  • Empty is better: Make sure the containers are clean (or at least empty) when you recycle them. Dirty containers attract vermin and excess debris in your recycling bin requires extra energy to dispose of and clean.
  • Rinsing: Paper and cardboard are particularly sensitive to residue, so it’s important to dump out all liquids from containers to help keep the paper goods recyclable.
  • Conserve water when rinsing: Removing (or composting) food before rinsing is greener than keeping the water faucet running. You can also fill a bowl with water to use and reuse if you have several containers to clean out.

More Rules To Follow:

  • Don’t pack any of your roll carts too tightly. Contents must fall out easily.
  • Be sure to remove your roll cart within 24 hours of pickup.
  • Weight limits vary depending on the size of your roll cart. Find a guide here.
  • Keep your bin lid securely closed. Store your garbage out of direct sunlight.
  • To deter insects and avoid odors, you can sprinkle baking soda in your garbage can.
  • For an extra $5 fee, you can set out an extra garbage container or bag on your collection day.

What Goes Into Which Bin?

In Portland, not only do we have blue and green recycling bins; we have a black garbage bin and yellow recycling bin. What does it all mean? What goes into which? Here’s a helpful infographic showing basic guidelines. We’ve also put together a list below:
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Photo credit: cogdogblog via VisualHunt.com / CC BY

Blue Roll Cart

  • Paper: scrap paper and junk mail, small cardboard boxes, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, cartons of milk/juice/soup, etc.
  • Metal: aluminum, foil, tin and steel food cans, empty and dry metal paint cans, empty aerosol cans, scrap metal smaller than two inches
  • Plastic: 6 oz or larger bottles with smaller neck than base, 6 oz or larger tubs, plant pots, buckets

Yellow Glass Bin

  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Mixing colors and keeping labels on is okay

Black Garbage Bin

  • Paper: used paper plates, coffee cups, take out containers, facial tissue
  • Plastic: wrappers, styrofoam, plastic bags, rigid plastics such as tupperware and rubbermaid, plastic containers labeled “compostable”, toys
  • Other: painted or stained wood, and plywood, incandescent light bulbs, windows
  • In sealed container: kitchen fats, cooking oil and grease
  • Must be bagged: pet waste and cat litter, diapers and feminine hygiene products, ashes and sawdust, packaging peanuts, broken glass

What You Can’t Recycle (At The Curb) Might Surprise You

  • Electronics
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic bags
  • Rigid plastics (tupperware)
  • Books
  • Light bulbs
  • Coffee cups

To easily find out if certain objects are recyclable, donatable, or reusable and where to do it use this handy tool.

How to Reduce Your Landfill Waste By 33%: Composting

There are many benefits to composting: reducing your waste, having a healthier garden, and conserving resources such as water, energy, and fuel. And luckily for us in Portland, composting is made easier as Portlanders are provided a green roll cart for composting purposes.

green-waste-486011_1280

To easily integrate composting into your routine we recommend getting a kitchen compost container and placing it in a convenient location in your kitchen. This way you can collect your small compost items and then empty your kitchen compost container into your green compost bin as frequently as you like. Remember to use approved liners with your kitchen compost container, available at most supermarkets.

What you can compost:

  • Food scraps: meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, bones, eggs, cheese, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, beans, coffee grounds, filters, tea bags (for a comprehensive list go here)
  • Table scraps: plate scrapings, leftovers, spoiled food
  • Paper products: paper napkins,towels, and pizza boxes
  • Yard debris: weeds, leaves, vines, grass, small branches, flowers, house plants, plant clippings, pumpkins

What’s my Pickup Schedule?

  • Blue roll cart: once a week, but only when full
  • Yellow glass bin: once a week, but only when full
  • Green composting cart: every week, even if it is not full
  • Black garbage bin: every other week

set-out
Photo: City of Portland

If the standard garbage service pickup schedule doesn’t work for you and your family you can always increase or decrease the size of your garbage container or sign up for every four week pickup.

You can also check to see exact dates of garbage and recycling pickups through The City of Portland’s website. Pro tip: there’s an option to sign up for weekly email reminders so that you’ll never forget your pickup day again!

Commercial Recycling

Sustainability at work is increasingly becoming a focus for businesses, and various metro areas and counties in and around Portland require businesses to meet certain recycling requirements. Check out our guide to commercial recycling, or read on for the basics.

  • Give employees the opportunity to recycle
  • Recycle paper and containers
  • Sort and separate recyclables correctly
  • Set out materials for recycling collection

Cascade Building Services has 50+ years of experience helping Portland recycle. We’re proud to offer office recycling services to handle all of your paper recycling needs, as well as custom-tailor office recycling solutions. We’ll make sure your recycling program is simple and convenient, maximizing recycling and helping you comply with local regulations.

Learn how we can help with your commercial recycling services now by getting in touch. We’re happy to answer any questions, as well as provide a free quote.