Are You Running a Clean Business?
Litter Prevention Tips for Workplaces
- Provide trash, recycling and cigarette receptacles at building entrances, loading docks and in picnic and smoking areas. Keep in mind that most people will only walk about 20 feet/6 metres to a bin, or they’ll drop the trash instead.* Ensure all receptacles are emptied regularly.
- Use only covered trash containers to eliminate contents from spilling or blowing out.
- Establish smoking areas with appropriate ash receptacles for employees and customers. These areas must be at least 3 metres from building entrances. Use signage to direct people to these locations if necessary.
- Make sure dumpsters are readily accessible to employees and contractors. Check bins daily to make sure all doors are closed and secured. This prevents trash from spreading on the ground (by wind or scavengers). Arrange for pick up before the bin is overflowing.
- Sweep parking lots and walking areas daily. If the outside looks taken care of, it will indicate that the inside is also taken care of…and that’s good for business!
- Educate employees about the importance of individual responsibility for a clean and safe working environment and a successful business/organization. Establish an expectation that staff pick up litter anywhere in or around your place of business. Lead by example.
- Remove litter from fence lines and other places where it collects on a regularly scheduled basis.
- Cover all open loads leaving your business and encourage vendors and contractors to do the same. Instruct drivers to pick up any materials that have fallen off their load.
- Place litter bags in company vehicles.
*Source: Keep America Beautiful
Thank you for helping make Thunder Bay clean, green and beautiful!
You can also take part in Thunder Bay’s annual Spring Up to Clean Up 20-Minute Makeover for workplaces. The City, EcoSuperior and event sponsor Tim Horton’s invite businesses, organizations and government offices to step outside at 10am for 20 minutes to clean up litter and debris from around their buildings and neighbourhood. Registered participants receive Spring Up garbage and recycling bags, public recognition, a poster to let your customers know you’re involved, plus treats from Tim Hortons. This event jumpstarts the month long Spring Up to Clean Up program. Find out more and register your workplace or call Jessica @ 624-2142.
Page last updated on Tuesday, July 03, 2012
