office cleaning Archives

10 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Cleaners

October 21, 2023

by cbsadmin Advice Janitorial Services

Whether you’re thinking of switching from your current cleaning service or you’ve never worked with one before, choosing the right company can feel like a big decision. Taking the time to weigh your options and make the right choice can have huge benefits in the long run, including:

A better first impression for your business
Improved employee productivity
A healthier work environment
Fewer distractions and less stress for you

It’s all about asking the right questions. When you have one or two commercial cleaners you’re considering, ask them these 10 questions:

1. Do you offer all the cleaning services I need?

Do you need janitorial services, carpet cleaning, and window cleaning? Do you generate a lot of paper recycling you need someone to manage?

Make sure any company you’re considering does everything you need.

(You don’t want to hire 3 different companies when you could hire just one!)

It’s worth double checking each cleaning company’s answers with the services page of their website too.

2. What kind of cleaning products & supplies do you use?

This is a good question to ask, just to make sure the person you’re talking to is knowledgeable about the cleaning process.

It’s especially important if sustainability matters to you. In Portland and the surrounding areas, many businesspeople feel strongly about their impact on the environment. If that sounds like you, it’s worth finding a commercial cleaning service with the same philosophy.

At Cascade Building Services, we always use environmentally safe products without harmful toxins or unpleasant odors.

3. Can you clean at night or on weekends?

Part of the reason for hiring a commercial cleaner is to free up more time and energy for you to focus on business. You can’t do that if your cleaning company is constantly showing up during business hours.

At Cascade Building Services we work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our clients simply tell us the most convenient time for them, and that’s when we show up.

Photo: ienjoysushi

4. How long have you been in business?

There’s nothing wrong with being a young business — everyone has to start somewhere — but there’s a lot less risk for you when you choose a cleaning company who has a long history of doing quality work.

We’ve been serving the Portland area for more than 50 years. We’ve handled nearly every type of cleaning job out there and we have many good reviews from great clients to back it up… which leads to the next question:

5. Can you provide me with references?

Unless you’re the company’s first client, they should be able to put you in contact with at least one or two clients they’ve worked with in the past (or that they still work with!).

It never hurts to ask for references, even if you don’t actually call all of them. You might learn some valuable information that makes your decision easier.

It’s also a good idea to check each company’s online reviews on Google, Yelp, and their own website.

6. Will your employees clean my facility?

Some companies use day laborers instead of hiring their own employees. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it’s always nice to know when a company has loyal employees.

One benefit of choosing a company who hires its own employees? At Cascade Building Services, we have a professional staff of employees who wear uniforms and I.D. badges. Many of our employees have worked with us for over a decade! We perform a background check on everyone we hire and provide ongoing training.

Photo: Sean Mulgrew

7. Do you work with other businesses in my industry?

Does the cleaning company have experience with businesses like yours? Can they handle the ins and outs of cleaning a space like yours?

If they have worked with clients in your industry, can they tell you which business(es)?

8. Will you have an ongoing contact person?

It’s important to have the name and number of a single person you know you can always contact — whether that’s the owner, an employee, or a customer service representative whose job is to make sure you’re getting the service you need.

There’s nothing more frustrating than sealing the deal with a salesperson and then having to climb your way through a phone tree once you’re actually working together.

9. Are they responsive and quick to get back to you?

This is more of a question to ask yourself. Does the company instill confidence that they’ll do what they say they’ll do? Do you trust them? Is it clear that getting back to you and answering your questions are top priorities?

If you answered yes, yes, and yes, that’s a good sign!

10. Can you give me a free quote or estimate?

Free quotes are a sign that a company is not only legitimate but believes in the work they’re doing. It’s also a sign that they respect their clients’ time and money.

My advice is that if a company won’t provide you with a free quote before you start working together, start looking for someone else.

Ready to get started? We’d love to give you a free quote.

Get a free quote from Cascade Building Services, or give us a call at (503) 691-0776 if you have questions.

Your Checklist

Want all these questions in one place? You can print this page and use this checklist of all 10 questions to ask you cleaners:

Cleaning Company Questions Checklist

Name of Cleaning Company: ______________________________________

❑ They offer all the cleaning services you need.
❑ They use safe (and possibly environmentally friendly) cleaning products.
❑ They can clean at a time that’s convenient for you.
❑ They’re experienced with a history of success.
❑ They can provide you with references.
❑ Their own employees will clean your facility (no day laborers).
❑ They have experience working with businesses in your industry.
❑ You will have an ongoing contact person.
❑ They’re responsive and quick to get back to you.
❑ They can provide you with a no-obligation quote or estimate free of charge.

Notes:

Is there a problem with your office cleaning service?

October 16, 2023

by cbsadmin Advice Janitorial Services

Choosing a commercial office cleaning service is just the beginning. Once you’ve picked a janitorial service or commercial cleaner, how do you know they’re doing a good job? And what if you’re worried that there’s a problem with how your office is being cleaned?

If any of those questions have run through your mind, keep reading. I’ll help you to make sure your office cleaning service is doing a good job. The more confident you are in their work, the more time you’ll be able to focus on your own business.

Know What You’re Paying For

What is your office cleaning service supposed to clean? And how often should they be cleaning your office? No, those aren’t trick questions. You’d be surprised how many people just assume that their office cleaners will be cleaning “everything” and how many don’t know their office cleaners’ schedule.

Unless you know exactly what you’re paying for, how can you know if your office cleaning service is doing a good job?

You can’t.

That’s why it’s so important, before you sign any office cleaning contract, to read through it and understand exactly what is being cleaned, and how often.

Questions that should be answered include:

Who will be cleaning my office? What are their qualifications and experience?
How often will my office be cleaned? What happens if an appointment is missed?
What will be cleaned? What tools, cleaning supplies, and equipment will be used?
What won’t be cleaned?

If your cleaning contract doesn’t include answers to those questions, ask your cleaning company for clarification. Once you know the answers to these questions, you’ll be in a much better position to evaluate your office cleaning service’s work.

Check their Work

After your cleaners visit, take the time to review their work. Does it match what’s laid out in your contract? Were some areas missed? Were others given a cursory clean rather than a thorough scrub? Are you finding other problems with their work?

Don’t jump to conclusions and assume that your cleaners are doing a bad job. It may just be a case of confusion. It may take only a call to your cleaning company to clear things up. Explain the problems you’re seeing and how you think they should be resolved. If things aren’t clear, take and email pictures.

A great office cleaning company will work with you to make sure things are being cleaned the way you want. That’s what we do at Cascade Building Services. We’ll work to train our janitorial and office cleaning teams to clean your office according to your specifications.

Are You and Your Employees Satisfied?

Don’t make it a one-person job. As an office manager or business owner, you’ve got too much to do already. It’s not entirely your responsibility to make sure your cleaners are doing a great job.

Ask your co-workers and employees about the cleanliness of the office. Are they satisfied? If not, what could be better? Do they have any specific problems with the cleaning service?

An email survey can be used collect answers anonymously. This will save you time and make it easy for your employees and co-workers to provide their feedback. Take what you learn from their answers and work with your cleaning service to clear up any miscommunications or other issues.

If you’ve never used them before, try Survey Monkey for making free surveys you can share. What a great service! And they’re based out of the Portland area, just like us!

Tips for Choosing a Reliable Janitorial and Office Cleaning Service

If you are having problems that you just can’t solve, it may be time for a change. But searching for a reliable janitorial and office cleaning service can be challenging– especially if you’ve already had a negative experience in the past.

When prospective clients come to us at Cascade Building Services, we do our best to help them make the best choice– even if it’s not us.

We’re honest and up-front about the services we provide, as well as any limitations we may have. We encourage potential clients to fully explain what they’re looking for and do our best to provide an office cleaning package that fits their needs.

If you’re comparing a few office cleaning services and aren’t sure what to do next, here are a few tips that can help you make the right choice:

Ask for references. Make sure they’re from similar businesses with similar needs. If you’re a small office, your needs are very different from bigger organizations. Find out if they’re satisfied with the work being done and what, if anything could be done better.
Look at online reviews. In addition to references, check out online reviews on sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and other review sites. At Cascade Building Services, we’re especially proud of our Google+ reviews!
Learn about how they work. Ask questions about office cleaning equipment and supplies. What brands do they use? Are they environmentally friendly?
Speak with the cleaners themselves. Find out more about them and start building a relationship with the people who will be doing the work. What can you do to make their job easier? Are they available to answer questions?

Looking for a New Office Cleaning Service?

Are you looking for a new cleaning service for your office, hospital, bank, winery, or school? Cascade Building Services is proud to serve these and other industries throughout the Portland area for over 50 years!

Our client’s satisfaction is our top priority. We’ll work with you and go the extra mile to make sure your workplace is cleaned just the way you like it. If you’re not happy with your current cleaning service, let us know. Or give us a call at (503) 691-0776. We’d love to come out, take a look at your space and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote!

Photo Credits: Dan Moyle

About the author Darren

Darren is the owner of Cascade Building Services. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Lewis and Clark University. He used to work in sales for General Mills. In his spare time, you can find him in the great outdoors camping and boating.

Do Sustainable Cleaning Products Really Work?

August 24, 2023

by cbsadmin Advice Carpet Cleaning

When people talk about cleaning products, there’s a common misconception that harsher chemicals clean more effectively. That’s not true; good sustainable cleaning products are extremely effective.

But if both sustainable and traditional cleaning products will clean your workplace effectively, why should you bother with the sustainable ones?

Because the chemicals found in most cleaning products aren’t just bad for the environment, they’re dangerous for your health too.

Ask yourself: Are toxic chemicals that put you at risk any better than dirt? Not if you ask us! Luckily you don’t have to choose one or the other. There are many sustainable cleaning options that are safe for your health and will get your business sparkling clean.

Why Are Traditional Cleaning Products Dangerous?

Traditional cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals can be dangerous for two main reasons:

They’re bad for the environment.

Toxic cleaning products don’t just sit around in your office. They frequently end up in the waste stream. From there, they can leach into our soil and drinking water.

That means we drink water with small amounts of nasty chemicals like perchloroethylene, ammonium hydroxide, and butyloxy ethanol — not to mention good old fashioned bleach! (Don’t worry, I’ll explain what all those chemicals are in the next section.)

They’re bad for you.

You know the chemical smell you’ve probably noticed after your space gets cleaned? The smell of a new car? The scent of a recently cleaned bathroom? That dry cleaning smell?

Those smells are the result of chemicals from cleaning products being released into the air and into your body. Eventually, the smell goes away, but until then, people in the area are breathing in potentially dangerous fumes with negative health side effects.

What Chemicals Are in Traditional Cleaning Products?

A few of the most important chemicals you’ll find in many cleaning products are:

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 — Potentially cancer-causing and considered dangerous to the central nervous system
Ammonium Hydroxide — A corrosive chemical that irritates the lungs, skin, and eyes

Believe it or not, all those chemicals are found in common carpet cleaners. Carpet cleaners are some of the most important cleaning products to be wary of, because they often contain a lot of harsh chemicals.

Traditional cleaners will kill germs and dirt in your carpet, but they may also do damage your body in the process.

What Are the Sustainable Cleaning Alternatives?

Most sustainable cleaning products are made of plant-based ingredients, less harmful chemicals, and plain old water!

A few things you might see on the ingredients list are:

White vinegar
Baking soda
Low concentration hydrogen peroxide
Essential oils
Castile soap

Not only are these solutions safer for you and better for the environment, they’re also extremely effective cleaners!

Let’s see why.

How Do Sustainable Cleaning Products Work?

At Cascade Building Services, we use sustainable cleaning products to clean carpets, windows, and just about everything else in your workplace. We use eco-friendly, citrus-based cleaners with no toxic chemicals or irritants.

One of the most common questions we get is:

“How is it possible to clean a carpet with a citrus-based cleaner?”

Good question! Carpets can be hard to clean, especially if it’s been a while. When you hire a professional carpet cleaner, you want to make sure you’re getting a thorough cleaning without dirt, moisture, or cleaning residue left behind. Here’s how it works:

Our proprietary process uses something called ion-exchange to separate and remove microscopic particles of dirt and other gross stuff from your carpet. The citrus-based cleaning solution we use for this process is completely biodegradable, nontoxic, and leaves behind absolutely no residue! Plus it won’t smell like chemicals when you come into work the next day.

You should know: Some cleaning services will say they offer “steam cleaning” — a method which shoots water into the carpet and can take up to a few days to dry. That’s why we prefer our ion-exchange method. It dries in only a few hours, so you can get your carpet cleaned on a weeknight and come into work the next day!

The Cascade Building Services Promise

Eco-friendliness and sustainability are important to us. So is the health of our clients. At Cascade Building Services, we’ve made a commitment to using only products that:

Deliver exceptional results
Ensure a sustainable workplace
Are free from harmful odors and toxins
Improve indoor air quality
Help us provide the cleanest, safest work environment while minimizing our carbon footprint

Our goal is to improve air quality, recycle as much as possible, and reduce waste without sacrificing cleanliness and sanitation.

If you’re interested in an effective and sustainable cleaning solution for your workplace, contact us for a free quote!

Essential oils photo: Abi Porter

6 Surprising Places Germs Are Hiding in Your Office

June 21, 2023

by cbsadmin Janitorial Services

Some contact with germs is inevitable, but most people don’t realize just how many germs can hide in a workplace environment. Your office may seem clean. Maybe the floors are swept, desks wiped down, bathrooms cleaned, and door handles disinfected. But germs often hide in unexpected places in your office.

Fact: 80% of infections spread via contact with contaminated surfaces (not coughing and sneezing).

In this post, I’ll explain some of the most germ-infested office items and places to avoid. The best and easiest way is to make sure your office has a top-notch janitorial service, but there are other things you can do on your own to keep yourself and your space clean and healthy.

Grab your hand sanitizer and get ready. Let’s get started.

What Are Germs, Anyway?

The technical definition of germs isn’t very specific. Basically, a germ is a very small living thing that causes disease. Fungi and viruses are types of germs, as are bacteria like E.coli.

Not all germs are bad. In fact, without certain healthy bacteria, our bodies couldn’t function. Unfortunately, not all the germs that hide in offices are healthy, and the bad ones are all mixed in with the harmless ones.

Here are a few places they tend to hide:

Coffee Mugs

Did you know 1 in 5 office coffee mugs is tainted with fecal bacteria? When mugs don’t get thoroughly washed after every use, those bacteria can get passed on from person to person.

You might consider bringing your own designated mug and washing it every time you use it.

Your Desk

Statistically, your desk is probably dirtier than the office toilet — 400 times dirtier, to be exact. Your keyboard alone most likely harbors about 16 million microbes! Think about how often you…

Eat at your desk
Touch your desk after touching other potentially germ-infested items
Clean your desk (including your keyboard and mouse)

It’s a good idea to wipe your desk down every day with a disinfecting wipe.

The Phone

Photo: Martin Cathrae

Phones are even worse than desks. We’ve all heard how dirty our cellphones can get, but it turns out your office phone has the same problem.

Most office phones never (or very rarely) get cleaned, even though we touch them all the time. We handle them, press them up to our ears and hair, and even breathe on them. It’s even grosser if you’re not the only one that uses it.

Next time you wipe down your desk, don’t forget the phone.

The Water Cooler

Most people don’t imagine the water cooler getting dirty, but the truth is, most water cooler nozzles never get cleaned. Stationary water is a perfect breeding environment for germs, and they can live there for a long time.

Here’s the easiest way to clean the water cooler in your office.

The Copy Machine

If your office has a copy machine, it may be the single best place to share germs with everyone in your office.

Offices should keep hand sanitizer by the copy machine for employees to use when they’re done using it. If that’s not an option, try to wash your hands after you use the copy machine, or at least keep your own hand sanitizer at your desk.

PowerPoint Remotes and Other Shared Items

Conference rooms and everything in them tend to carry a lot of germs. Shared computers, PowerPoint remotes, and other communal items are likely to be harboring germs from throughout the office.

It’s a good idea to wipe these items down every day. If you can’t, then wash or sanitize your hands after using them.

Photo: Arlington County

How to Kill Office Germs Effectively

If you’re feeling grossed out — and maybe a little paranoid — I don’t blame you. Ease your mind by remembering that it’s impossible to avoid 100% of germs. All you can do is do your best to be sanitary and healthy at work.

Here are a few tips for avoiding germs in the office:

Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom, after using communal items and spaces, before and after a meal, and every time you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.

Carry hand sanitizer for those times you aren’t able to wash your hands.

Wipe down surfaces regularly with disinfecting wipes. You can also use a disinfecting spray, but don’t wipe it off. You need to let it dry for it to be effective.

Bring your own water bottle and mugs and wash them regularly.

Stay home from work if you’re sick. It’s almost impossible to avoid spreading germs, even if you try. Did you know that, on average, one person with a virus will infect 50% of all equipment and employees in their vicinity within 4 hours?

Avoid stair and escalator handrails if possible. You might be touching food, E.coli, urine, mucus, feces, or even blood, according to University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba.

Don’t bother with antibacterial soap. It’s not any more effective than regular soap. In fact, overuse of antibacterial products contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern worldwide. Traditional soap will do the job just fine.

At Cascade Building Services, we use environmentally safe, eco-friendly cleaning products that are free from harmful odors and toxins. To learn more about how Cascade Building Services can help keep your office clean, safe, and healthy, contact us online or give us a call at (503) 850-0710.

How To: Create a Dog-Friendly Workplace

May 15, 2023

by cbsadmin Advice cascade building services Janitorial Services portland

In the Portland area, attracting and retaining top talent can be a challenge for any company. Great people have great options. What can you do to make your company stand out?

Surprisingly, it’s often the little things that make a big difference in employee satisfaction and happiness.

A growing trend among some of the fastest growing businesses in the Portland area is offering employees the opportunity to bring their furry friends to work. In today’s post, we’ll talk about best practices for creating a dog-friendly office environment.

How Does a Dog-Friendly Office Improve The Bottom Line?

Recent research suggests that having a dog-friendly workplace is more than just a nice perk. It can also:

Reduce employee stress
Improve morale
Increase average employee retention rate
Lower absenteeism and employee turnover

Your employees will be happier, more productive, and more engaged with their work!

Remember: It’s Not Just About The Dogs

If you’re thinking about allowing dogs into your office, remember that your first concern should be for the happiness and safety of all your employees– not just those who have dogs. Consider an anonymous survey to determine if any employees are strongly against the idea before making it a policy.

Job Interviews & Private Offices Aren’t Just For People

Just like you wouldn’t let any person work in your office, not every dog will be a good fit either. If an employee wants to bring his or her dog into work, schedule a “doggie interview” where your team can judge the dog’s temperament and behavior.

Use an objective grading system to determine whether a particular pooch is a good fit for your office. Questions to ask may include:

Does the dog bark?
Does the dog obey commands?
Is the dog-friendly around other dogs?
How does the dog interact with other humans?
Does the dog require excessive attention?
Can the dog handle being in the office all day?

Consider a probationary period with all new office dogs before making them “permanent staff.” In fact, many offices do a “test run” of the dog-friendly policy to see how it works out and before making lasting changes to their office policies.

Your human employees often need a quiet place to meet or think when working on a difficult project. Similarly, even the best behaved office dogs may need a space of their own to relax in when they get overwhelmed.

Set Boundaries

Remember, the dogs don’t make the rules: you do! Any successful dog-friendly office policy will include plenty of boundaries. You may want to:

Only allow dogs above a certain age– not rambunctious puppies, no matter how cute!
Prohibit feeding dogs human food in the office, it can be a slippery slope to bad behavior!
Allow dogs only on certain days of the week.
Prohibit dogs on some days– like when clients are visiting the office.
Only allow dogs in certain rooms or offices. Maybe make the break room a dog free space, for example.

Provide Toys, Treats & Supplies

Like you best human workers, office dogs need stimulation to be happy! Consider investing in quiet toys they can play with, treats they can eat, and other supplies that the dogs might need.

Share Chores & Responsibilities

Some dog-friendly workplaces encourage workers to share chores. Others may require each owner to be responsible for only his or her own puppy. You need to decide what will work best for your office and your team. A few jobs to assign might include:

Making sure there’s fresh water
Cleaning up after “accidents”
Walking the dogs

Brag On Social Media!

The interns are very excited about Donut Wednesday 🍩 At least one of them is, per usual

A post shared by Shortcake (@theladyshortcake) on May 3, 2017 at 11:16am PDT

When talented people are looking for a new job, they have plenty of options and often look for a relaxed, fun work environment.

So make sure you post about your dog-friendly culture on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook! Update your company’s About Page to included pictures of your favorite CCOs (Chief Canine Officers)! It’s a great way to build your brand and attract the best available talent when hiring.

I mean just check out #officedog on Instagram! How cute is that!?

Plan Outdoor Adventures!

Photo Credit: Michael Lin on Flickr

In Portland, we’re never too far away from a great park! Let your dogs (and employees) take a trip into the great outdoors by visiting one of Portland’s amazing dog parks! They’re located all over town– and many have off-leash areas just for dogs!

Keep Your Office Sparkling Clean!

If you’re investing in your employees by creating a dog-friendly office, make sure you don’t neglect the cleanup!

Let’s be honest: even the best-behaved dogs make messes and leave smells behind. Hair, fur, drool, muddy paws, and just that “wet dog” smell are all too common in dog-friendly offices that aren’t committed to staying clean.

A dirty, smelly office isn’t just one that’s no fun to work in, it can also make your employees sick and reduce their productivity!

At Cascade Building Services, we can help! Our experienced janitorial staff can visit your office as often as needed and handle:

Floor & Carpet Cleaning
Window Cleaning
Trash & Recycling
And much more!

Our teams use eco-friendly green cleaning solutions that are safe for both people and pets! There are no harsh fumes or toxic by-products left behind.

More Tips For Creating Your Dog-Friendly Office Policy

Making your office dog-friendly is a big step and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to protect yourself and your business as well. Many businesses require employees to sign a waiver to protect the business from liability.

We recommend you work with your business lawyer to draft an agreement that meets your needs. You’ll also want to check and make sure that your business insurance policy (or office lease) allows dogs in your workplace.

Need Help Cleaning Your Dog-Friendly Office?

Cascade Building Services is here to help! We clean offices throughout the Portland metro area and specialize in large office buildings. Give us a call at (503) 691-0776 or contact us online. We’ll visit your office and create a custom cleaning package just for you!

How to Encourage Recycling at Work

April 28, 2023

by cbsadmin Advice

Want to get on track with recycling at your business?

Various metro areas and counties in and around Portland require businesses to meet certain recycling requirements. But following those requirements isn’t always easy for people who are busy helping customers and running their business.

Even the best-intentioned office recycling initiatives sometimes fail.

If you want to meet your area’s recycling requirements and do your part to help the environment, this post can help. We’ll look at the main reasons why many recycling plans fail. Then I’ll tell you how to set up a recycling system that will work for your business.

What Are Your Recycling Requirements?

Each area has its own recycling regulations for businesses. For example, the Portland metro area explains it’s recycling requirements here. And you’ll find Washington County’s similar recycling requirements here. A quick Google search should turn up results for other areas.

Here’s a helpful guide showing what to recycle and how. It’s for Portland, but it’s a helpful resource for pretty much any Greater Portland area business.

Most areas that have business recycling requirements expect businesses to:

Give employees the opportunity to recycle
Recycle paper and containers (i.e. metal cans, plastic bottles and tubs, and glass bottles and jars)
Sort and separate recyclables correctly (glass is almost always collected separately from other recyclables)
Set out materials for recycling collection

If that sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. Almost every city and county lists a help number on its website, where you can get your questions answered. I’ll also give you a list of more resources to help you at the end of this post.

Sometimes, it’s easier and more cost effective to hire a company that offers commercial recycling services to manage your recycling program. For example, at Cascade Building Services, we know all the regulations and can keep everything running efficiently.

Getting Started: the Logistics

It’s important to know where you’re starting from. Especially if you’re a large or medium-sized company, getting everyone on track can require a bit more planning and coordination. Before you start a recycling plan, find out…

How much is the business currently wasting?
How much of that is paper? Plastic? Metal? Glass? (For most businesses, paper is by far the biggest culprit.)
How much of that waste do you think you can realistically expect to recycle over the next year (or whatever timeframe makes sense for your business)?

Answering those questions will help you figure out what resources you need to make your recycling plan work. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your janitorial service. They probably have a good sense for your recycling needs already.

You’ll also probably need to contract with a recycling hauler in your area to arrange regular pickups.

Photo: atramos

Encourage Your Employees to Recycle

Why is it so hard to get people to recycle?

Despite the fact that recycling can reduce your trash bill and help the environment, businesses still send over 100,000 tons of recyclable paper and containers into landfills in an average year. Why is that?

People usually turn to the trash can when…

There’s no recycling box nearby
They aren’t sure what can be recycled and what can’t

That’s why it’s not enough to just convince people that recycling is important. You have to make recycling easy — so easy there’s no reason not to do it.

Once recycling is easy, it becomes a habit instead of a chore.

Have Enough Recycling Receptacles

The goal is to make it just as easy to recycle as to throw something away. That means making recycling boxes as easily accessible as your garbage cans. Depending on how much paper recycling your company generates, that might mean having a recycling box next to every garbage can. If you work in Portland, you can order free recycling boxes here.

Make sure you have paper recycling containers:

Near printers and copy machines
Near areas with a lot of desks

Consider putting aluminum and plastic recycling containers:

In the lunchroom
Close to vending machines

Show What Can Be Recycled and Where

Photo: Samuel Mann

When it’s not clear whether something is recyclable or not, many people’s first instinct is to toss it in the trash.

Make it easier for your employees by placing posters above recycling receptacles that show what should go in each one and what shouldn’t.

Lead by Example

If you and other company leaders make a point to recycle, it makes it easier for everyone else to follow your example. That’s why it’s so important for larger companies to get leaders from each department on board to make sure the recycling process is running smoothly in each department.

Make it Fun

There are some pretty mind-blowing statistics about recycling out there. Hearing them can make recycling fun. It also helps people see exactly where they are making a difference when they throw those papers in the recycling instead of the trash.

Here are a few:

Recycling one ton of paper saves about 17 trees.
You could power a computer for three hours with the energy you save from recycling one aluminum can.
Recycling aluminum requires 95% less energy than processing new aluminum.
Recycling one plastic bottle can save enough energy to light a 60W bulb for up to six hours.

Why not put together a list of fun recycling facts and turn it into a company-wide email or even a bathroom poster?

You might even call attention to certain recyclable items you know people use a lot. Did you know you can recycle a Starbucks cup, lid and all?

Photo: Krystian Olszanski

Resources to Encourage Recycling

Putting together a successful recycling plan can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. As promised, here are a few resources you can use to learn more about recycling regulations in your area and how you can encourage recycling at work in an easy, cost-effective way:

Recycle at Work — Find all kinds of tips and resources, and arrange for a specialist to come to your business for free to help you get started.
Free printable posters — Portland businesses can print these and place them near recycling receptacles to help employees out (available in Spanish and other languages).
How Do I Recycle? Common Recyclables – Not sure how to recycle weird materials like batteries, used oil, or light bulbs? Check out this resource from the EPA.

I hope this post helps you encourage more recycling at your business! If you’d like to know more about how we can manage your recycling program, or just have more questions, get in touch!

Photos: Sebastien Wiertz, Kai Hendry

Services

Precision Cleaning Services That Support a Healthy Business Environment

Industries

Tailored Cleaning Services for Every Type of Workplace