Recycling Program Expansion

The pilot recycling program launched at the beginning of May has been a tremendous success and the Facilities Management Department is already making strides to expand it to include printer cartridges, batteries, electronics, thermostats, and light bulbs.

Monique Aguilar, in charge of the program told us the idea of expanding the program came after 27 printer cartridges were found in the regular trash cans.

"Most new printer cartridges (especially HP) come with a pre-paid return label that can be used to ship the old cartridge back to the manufacturer for recycling. We rescued the cartridges from the trash and shipped them from our office, but it would be great if each department would take the time to check for a pre-paid label before tossing the old cartridge in to the trash." she said.

Recyclable materials accepted in the Courthouse are paper, aluminum and plastics. Check the bottom of plastic containers for these symbols before tossing it in the trash.

A little goes a long way in making our Earth a healthier and more beautiful place to live; here are a few things we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint:

• RECYCLE responsibly by throwing ALL acceptable materials in the recycling bins, and taking the time to break down boxes and rinse food/beverage containers. If you see fellow co-workers throwing recyclables in the regular trash, or throwing the wrong type of material in the recycle bins, speak up and encourage them to participate;
• RE-USE items whenever possible: boxes, bags, etc. Use the back of non-confidential papers for scrap paper, or cut them in to smaller sizes for post it notes. Save packing peanuts and bubble wrap for future shipments.
• REDUCE waste and excessive purchases whenever possible. Purchase office supplies that have a limited shelf life, such as pens, batteries, and ink cartridges, in small quantities so that they don't go bad before the first use. Proof read documents before printing to reduce unnecessary paper waste for minor corrections. Print and copy documents on both sides (duplex) whenever possible to reduce the number of printed pages.
• Research new office products and equipment for "green" choices, energy efficiency ratings, and recycling programs;
• Set all office machines to go in to "sleep" mode at the shortest time interval possible, and shut off your office equipment at the end of the day, (except your PC as per ITD directives);
• Bring lunch in canvas/paper bags and reusable food containers instead of zip-lock bags whenever possible.
• Avoid Styrofoam whenever possible. Styrofoam is "forever" and research suggests it can take over 1,000 years for larger pieces to even begin breaking down;
• Clean up after yourself immediately when food or drinks are spilled on the carpet to reduce the need for chemicals to shampoo areas and prolong the fresh appearance and life of the carpet.