About 95% of the waste generated at CH2M Hill is paper, and the company collects almost all of it for recycling. In addition, wastepaper reduction activities include using electronic mail instead of paper memoranda, printing on both sides of paper for most reports, and using scrap paper for notes.
In the past several years, the company has replaced its copy machines and printers with new machines capable of duplex printing and copying. In the last two years, CH2M Hill changed the default setting on all printers to duplex printing so people cannot “forget” to double-side documents.
To reduce waste from disposables, the company purchased a large number of company logo mugs for use during meetings. There is an automatic dishwasher in the kitchen area, which is run once a day.
The company’s annual waste assessment includes an inventory of paper products used, as well as a survey of the status of equipment to determine how many machines, including computers, copiers, lights, and coffee machines, are left on at night. Staff has coordinated with building management, janitorial services, and security staff to ensure that lights and equipment are turned off at night.
The office recycles office paper, newspaper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, toner cartridges, and Tyvek envelopes. All offices have office paper recycling boxes. Containers for aluminum cans, plastic containers, and glass bottles are located in the largest office kitchen. All of the company’s conference rooms have aluminum recycling bins. Cardboard and newspapers are recycled in the employee lounge. Based on monthly figures, it is estimated that during the past year, CH2M Hill recycled 9.6 tons of office paper, 360 pounds of cardboard, 480 pounds of aluminum cans, 240 pounds of glass, and 240 pounds of newspapers. In addition, about 100 phone books and 120 toner cartridges per year are recycled. CH2M Hill also recycles about 12 bushels of Tyvek material annually. Plastics recycling is a recent addition to the program and no figures are yet available.
CH2M Hill also promotes telecommuting (working at home), flexible work schedules, and alternative transportation. Recently the company installed showers for employees who like to cycle to work and for several employees who enjoy running and other sports at lunch.
The company estimates that it saves about $2,000 per year due to waste prevention, recycling, and energy conservation activities.
CH2M Hill http://www.ch2m.com
