Watch out! If you're making certain stretch film recycling or plastic recycling mistakes, you're leaving money on the table. Fortunately, there is hope; and the team at AAA Polymer can help.
We are a leading plastic and stretch film recycling firm for the Tri-State Area. Our experienced recycling professionals will work closely with you to help you launch and/or revamp your recycling program to the highest degree of success. In the process, we'll help you avoid the following stretch film and plastic recycling mistakes.
Overcomplicating Stretch Film Recycling
One of the biggest plastic and stretch film recycling mistakes facilities make is to overcomplicate the program. Instead, it's best to just keep it simple — as simple as possible. Highly effective businesses use simple graphics to demonstrate key information:
How to prepare the plastic stretch film
Methods to keep it separate from other plastics,
Where to put the plastic stretch film.
Acceptable vs unacceptable stretch film
Another bonus tip is to have clearly labeled bins with symbol codes or color codes that will help make sure the right film gets into the right container.
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to optimizing your stretch film, location is everything. And having only one collection bin or location for the entire facility is an egregious plastic recycling mistake. Instead, it's best to have several collection locations that are strategically located where pallets are wrapped or unwrapped.
These locations are where most of the recyclable plastic scraps will be generated. And having the collection sites near these locations makes it as easy as possible for employees to contribute. In either case, the best recycling programs are based on a strategic plan, which can take trial and error. However, the savings earned will greatly outweigh the cost of time invested.
Failing to Educate Your First Line of Defense
As the owner, facility manager, or GM you know all too well the importance of your employees to the organization. Because of this, it only makes sense to invest time and resources into educating them on the importance of the plastic stretch film recycling program. When you roll out the program, consider hosting a full educational session that explains the whys, benefits, and program targets.
You can also include a module on stretch film recycling for all new hires. Make sure to mention the importance of stretch film recycling as well as what it means to the organization during weekly meetings.
Another tip is to strategically place fact sheets, flyers, and other simple documents throughout the warehouse as a reminder to employees and what's at stake. Your employees are a vital link in your stretch film recycling success. Failing to properly engage and attain employee buy-in can significantly hamper the effectiveness of your stretch film recycling program.
Where's the Fun?
No one likes mundane boring tasks. When it comes to your plastic or stretch film recycling program, it doesn't have to be. Whether it’s a pizza party for hitting targets or a friendly departmental competition, incentivizing plastic or stretch wrap recovery goals can amplify the success and impacts of your firm's recycling initiatives.
The best way to decide upon an incentive is to base it on your employees' interests. Several of the largest companies in the US have already started different recycling program incentives. While the reward doesn't have to be super elaborate, it should be meaningful to your employee base.
Allowing the Film to Fall into Disarray
Not all stretch film is created equally in the world of recycling. And the better condition your stretch film is in, the more you can potentially earn and the bigger the environmental impact you can make.
Because of this, it's important to secure the film immediately after removal and place it in the proper receptacles, which helps prevent it from being contaminated. This is one of the key reasons why strategically having collection bins and sites near areas where pallets are wrapped and unwrapped is key.
Films that end up on the floor can easily become dirty, get stepped on, and become contaminated, which devalues them. However, with conscientious recovery practices, you can maximize the amount you earn from every scrap.
Operating in a Bubble
While your warehouse or distribution center may be responsible for collecting the plastic stretch film, your facility doesn't operate in a bubble. Instead, you work with several other businesses and facilities that can significantly impact the effectiveness of your program.
Many of the top-performing plastic and stretch film recycling firms let their partnering companies know about the program. You can take it a step further by letting them know how it works and preferences that can help maximize its effectiveness.
Contact AAA Polymer to Avoid the Top Stretch Film and Plastic Recycling Mistakes
Whether you're just starting a plastic recycling program or are looking to revamp your current one, it's important to optimize its performance by avoiding certain plastic recycling mistakes. And no matter where you are in the process, the team at AAA Polymer can help.
Since 1974, we have helped facilities create and optimize plastic recycling plans. We will utilize our decades of experience to help your warehouse or distribution center achieve its goals. Contact us today!