Purchasing Principle
This method requires a detailed review of your company's purchasing records in an effort to discover just how much and what types of materials you purchase. Given that much of what is purchased is replacements for materials that were sold or used and discarded. This method is an estimate of your disposal based solely on those purchases.
Every company is different, but for the person who likes numbers and organized paper profiles, this is an acceptable starting method. Begin with the data in printed or computer form. Scan through it and make a list of all the materials your firm purchased:
|
Item purchased
|
Quantity
|
Recyclable
|
|
Copier and Printer Paper
|
(Indicate amount of each item here)
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Letterhead and Envelopes
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Business Cards
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Adhesive Notes
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Legal, Note, & Message Pads
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Paper Towels
|
|
NO
|
|
Toilet Tissue Paper
|
|
NO
|
|
Greeting Cards/Stationery
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Desk and Wall Calendars
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Paper Napkins
|
|
NO
|
|
Plastic Disposable Utensils
|
|
NO
|
|
Disposable Cups
|
|
NO
|
|
Coffee Filters
|
|
Dispose/Compost
|
|
Fluorescent Lights/Bulbs
|
|
Bulb Recycling/Special
|
|
Boxes (shipping, storage, ect)
|
|
Cardboard
|
|
Magazines
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Newspapers
|
|
Mixed Paper
|
|
Toner Cartridges
|
|
Yes-Return/Special
|
|
Printers and Copiers
|
|
Electronic/Special
|
|
Computers (all hardware)
|
|
Electronic
|
|
Batteries (regular, rechargeable, lead-acid)
|
|
Special
|
|
CDs, Floppies, Zip Disks
|
|
Electronic/Special
|
|
Food (tin, paperboard, glass packaging)
|
|
Container Recycling, Donate/Compost
|
|
Carpet
|
|
Request when Purchasing
|
|
Pens, Pencils, Dry Markers
|
|
NO
|
|
Chemicals (solvents, cleaners, ect)
|
|
Special
|
|
Office Furniture
|
|
Dispose or Donate
|