Finding the right partner is crucial in running a successful hospital recycling program. Below, we walk you through the steps of identifying the best resources for your needs.
Start With Your Current Partners
Start with your current waste hauler and recycling partner(s), as well as other current services providers. This could include your secure document destruction providers, linen haulers, product distributors, etc. Questions to consider:
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Does your waste hauler have a recycling program?
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Can your other recycling vendors (document destruction, linen service company, etc.) expand their recycling programs to include healthcare plastics? Describe the proposed plastics waste stream in detail.
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Do current service providers have extra hauling capacity and/or interest in expanding services to your institution? Is there compatibility with adding this type of material to the load?
Discuss your expectations and questions with them (see Questions to Ask Your Recycler for help.)
Begin the Search for a New Partner
If your hospital does not currently have a recycling program, or the current hauler does not wish to receive healthcare plastics, then consider the following resources to find a new partner.
Trade Groups, Industry Association and National Resources
Earth911 is a privately owned, for-profit company that specializes in providing consumers with accessible and actionable recycling information across the country. The Earth911 Recycling Directory contains recycling information for over 300 materials with search capabilities for people to find their nearest recycling options and resources.
1-800-RECYCLING.com is a dynamic recycling and green living-focused site that makes recycling, conserving, reusing and living wisely easy. 1-800-RECYCLING.com features a comprehensive recycling location database that gives the user the ability to easily assemble a recycling to-do list. The database is location based, and aims to make his/her recycling needs as easy as possible.
Association of Post Consumer Plastics Recyclers
The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers is the national trade association representing companies who acquire, reprocess and sell the output of more than 90 percent of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America.
RecyclingCenters.org exists to provide a resource for communities to find places to recycle a wide variety of products in their neighborhood.
Enter your zip code and select your material to find a facility near you.
This site’s purpose is to connect suppliers and buyers of all types of scrap plastic (from bales to post consumer resin). It’s supported by the plastics industry and intended for use by the recycling industry in the United States and Canada.
North American Plastics Recycling Network
The North American Plastic Recycling Network is a membership based regional information exchange servicing companies and individuals who BUY / SELL / TRADE commodities, materials, goods and services relevant to this industry.
TerraCycle partners with individual collectors as well as major consumer product companies, retailers, manufacturers, municipalities, and small businesses across 20 different countries.
Plastic Film Recycling (American Chemistry Council)
The ACC Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) is working to significantly increase the collection and recycling of all flexible films and to educate the public about the importance of recycling.
BeRecycled.org from Keep America Beautiful
This organization is driven by more than 600 state and local affiliates, millions of volunteers and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals.
Location Specific Recycling Resources
California: CalRecycle Plastic Recyclers
California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs and continues a tradition of environmental stewardship.
As the elected regional government for the Portland metropolitan area, Metro works with communities, businesses and residents to create a vibrant and sustainable region for all. From packing peanuts to propane tanks, get sustainable solutions for unwanted materials using Metro’s recycler directory with more than 400 local recycling and reuse sites.
At MD Recycles, you’ll discover which materials are recyclable, find companies that will pick up recyclable material, and learn how to reduce your waste management costs while helping to create a cleaner environment for all of us.
Canadian Plastics Industry Association
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) is the voice of the Canadian Plastics Industry. With over 3,198 companies employing 91,530 workers, Canada’s $26.3 billion plastics industry is a sophisticated sector encompassing plastic products manufacturing, machinery, molds, and resins. CPIA is committed to increasing the amount of plastic and the different types of plastic waste being diverted from landfill through the use of various waste management options, such as reuse, recycle and energy recovery.
Once you have found some good candidates, discuss your questions and expectations with them using Questions to Ask Your Recycler.