Curbside recycling is the norm in our part of Massachusetts, but that is not the case for business recycling. Arlington High School Senior Nami Yamaguchi wants that to change.

While offices, retailers and restaurants may want to recycle more, they may not know how to get started, and that's intimidating. Businesses have more barriers to recycling, including confusion about what can be recycled, cost considerations, and lack of awareness about resources. Nami's recently produced Recycling Guide for Businesses in Arlington helps businesses be informed of their choices and opportunities.

Nami designed a very specific internship this fall at Public Works in order to get involved with helping businesses like these. By examining a series of business recycling surveys collected by the Recycling Committee, she uncovered the common concerns businesses face when considering starting a new recycling program. She reviewed existing state and municipal resources and looked around on line to find out what other communities offer.

The resulting guide offers this advice: "Make sure to clearly mark your recycling bins, purchasing bins with defined openings or slots is typically very helpful. Many businesses also post signs above recycling bins that tell customers what can be disposed of in them to avoid confusion."

A valuable state resource specifically designed for businesses is RecyclingWorks, a great tool to find equipment and advice from experts and other businesses. The guide reminds business owners, "Once you've established a type of recycling for your workplace (single stream or other), make sure to let your staff know the new policies. You could send out an email, or put up a notice in the break room."

Nami's research shed light on the business opportunities to announce the changes: "As for customers, let them know the steps your business has taken to be more environmentally friendly." Positive moves like can show up in online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

If you own a business in Town, or know someone who does, Public Works asks that you share the new guide as well as the Business Programs web page. We hope to use these resources to inspire and support businesses in their recycling efforts. Thanks!

Excerpt from the Recycling Guide in for Businesses in Arlington created by Nami Yamaguchi, Winter 2018

Why Should My Business Recycle?
Many customers in Arlington value environmentally friendly businesses, who practice recycling or composting. Becoming a businesses that recycles could generate loyalty and boost your sales. Also, it's easy, and good for our planet, and could save you money in trash fees.