In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Directive 07-373: Energy Conservation and Management, all state offices are directed to implement recycling programs by December of 2007. Please note that this directive applies to all state offices and facilities and not just central agency headquarters. Item number ten of this Directive states the following:
I am pleased that the Department of Health and Environment has initiated a recycling program in state government. Currently only a few buildings are participating and I am directing the KDHE and the Department of Administration to expand that program to every state office by December 2007.
This website will provide you the tools you need to start and continue a successful recycling program. Listed below is a copy of the letter that was sent to all state agency heads as well as the Green Team Guide for State Offices. The Guide for State Offices was created to jump-start a Green Team program in your building. Be sure to take a moment and read these two documents if you have not already. After reviewing the Guide for State Offices please proceed with forming a team and conducting your first meeting. It is recommended that the next step is appointing a Green Team leader(s). When selecting a Team Leader, keep in mind that this person(s) should be enthusiastic and will be the liaison between the maintenance staff, management, employees and the recycling vendor for the building. The Green Team leader should have sole responsibility for creating a username and password as the team leader will be the person(s) entering data and generating annual reports. After creating your username and password you will then be able to access other parts of the website that will allow you to register your buildings Green Team with the state. Please register the Green Team for your building no later then December 31, 2007.
View the letter to the State Agencies
A Green Team is a group of employees dedicated to promoting waste reduction, recycling, and responsible purchasing in their workplace. Try to incorporate representatives from different departments, as well as from different levels in the organizational structure - management, professionals, administrative assistants, etc. Team members from IT, housekeeping, and building maintenance can also be important assets to your team.
Your team should meet monthly until you have your basic program set up. Meetings should be brief and informal. Discuss how to best implement a convenient program for your office. Make decisions and split up tasks.
Having an enthusiastic team leader is key to having a successful waste reduction program. Select one or two leader(s) who are committed to your program. This leader(s) should manage the Green Team, oversee the program, and be the liaison between the maintenance staff, management, employees and the recycling vendor.
Start with the basics: paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastic bottles. Commercial pick up for these materials may be available. Other materials to consider are newspapers, magazines, batteries, printer cartridges, and electronics.
Property managers/owners can help you determine the best location for recycling dumpsters and containers. If there are other state offices or businesses located in your building, start contacting them to gauge interest in coordinating efforts.
For paper, cardboard, plastics, and other materials, you may need a hauler. These companies provide containers and establish a regular pick up schedule to meet your needs. This directory will help you find a service to satisfy all of your recycling needs: http://www.kansasrecycles.org
If pickup services are not available, another option is to take your recyclables to a drop-off center. Drop-off centers can also help you expand your program because they often accept items that cannot be picked up. See the recycling directory to locate a center near you. http://www.kansasrecycles.org
Grainger is the state contractor for recycling receptacles. Check their website www.grainger.com for low priced options or ask your office or agency purchasing personnel. Choose the correct size of bins for the volume your office generates. Place containers in strategic locations and make sure they are labeled clearly.
Coordinate collection of recyclables with the recycling service provider, janitorial crew, and/or staff. As of August 2007 all new/renewal state janitorial contracts will include collection/removal of recycled material as part of the janitorial contractor’s regular duties. State offices can also append existing contracts to include this clause. See your office/agency purchasing personnel.
Think about implementing strategies to reduce waste, such as duplex printing, reusing office supplies, and utilizing electronic correspondence. Waste reduction methods help create less waste in the first place—before recycling
Talk with your office/agency purchasing coordinator about making the switch to recycled content paper. The price difference between non-recycled paper and recycled paper is minimal, and money saved by utilizing waste reduction techniques can be used to off set costs in other areas. Also, consider remanufactured toner cartridges and encourage your purchasing coordinator to look into other recycled content products.
When you are ready to implement your program, plan a fun kick-off event. Distribute lists of acceptable/non-acceptable items, schedule orientation sessions for each department, and consider hosting a Clean Your Files event. Be sure to check out the Educate Your Staff page for promotional materials and other tools.
Have your team meet regularly to evaluate your program’s progress. Acknowledge people for changing their habits and seek staff’s suggestions. Train new employees about the program. Utilize your office’s Green Team website page to keep everyone posted. Register your team today!
Log on to your Green Team's profile page to report progress (Coming Soon). Create a team summary, post pictures, and report amounts of materials recycled. This will allow us to track your office’s participation as stated by the Governor’s Directive.
Send press releases to the local media. Write articles for newsletters and your organization’s web site. See the Green Team website for examples and ideas.
Once you have your basic recycling, waste reduction, and purchasing programs up and running, don’t stop there. Continue to expand your efforts by exploring other areas of responsible stewardship practices. Look into alternative service options for recycling other materials, like cell phones, batteries and CD’s. Some of the issues that other green teams have dealt with include: fluorescent bulb recycling, environmentally preferable cleaners and janitorial services, food scrap composting, green landscaping, and office supply reuse and exchange programs. Check the Green Team website for other ideas.
The files below will assist you with starting a Green Team.
Documents to help you conduct a waste audit.