In 2013, SRP’s average facility recycling rate was 11 percent. Two years and many strategically placed recycling bins later, the ‘PAB (Project Administration Building) Recycling Initiative’ reached a 31 percent recycling rate. The 20 percent bump— led by the collective action of employees— has pushed the utility to be on par at PAB with the recycling rate of many local municipalities.

“This noteworthy accomplishment is important to SRP’s conservation and stewardship efforts and is a direct reflection of our commitment to the community and managing our resources responsibly,” said Marc Campbell, SRP manager of Sustainability Policy and Programs.

The improvements and changes were the result of a 2013 study by Arizona State University to help SRP divert waste from landfills. Students and employee volunteers sorted through 3,300 pounds of trash discarded by SRP employees to help the utility better understand what is being thrown out each day. ASU’s Global Sustainability Solutions Services wrote a final report with recommendations for best practices and the cost-benefits for potential programs at SRP. The report indicated that nearly 30 percent of the material thrown away could have been recycled and recommended several tactics to increase waste diversion and enhance dialogue with employees about the benefits to SRP and its customers.

“Sustainability isn’t merely the right thing to do for the environment, but it is also tied to a company’s bottom line,” said Campbell. “Over the last several years, SRP has recycled 1,524 tons and received more than $157,000 in rebates from our recycling vendor. Many little activities like this add up to big benefits and help keep our costs down.”

To promote and improve recycling habits among SRP employees improvements included:

  • Replacing trash cans with personal recycling bins at employees’ desks
  • Better communication and signage about recyclables, including color-coded bins
  • Pre-sorted, four-bin recycling units placed throughout headquarters to make it easy to separate trash and empty personal recycling bins.

“Although 31 percent of office waste generated is now being recycled, there is still room for improvement as we work to further increase SRP’s recycling rate,’ added Campbell. “Currently, SRP’s existing recycling vendor requires recyclable materials be separated prior to being collected, which is why we use the four-bin system. Next year, employees will have it a bit easier and won’t have to pre-sort as much and can comingle recyclables, which is a proven way to further improve company recycling rates.”

The next step is for SRP is to expand the program to all SRP facilities.