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Small Business Recycling

Commercial recycling is an important practice that helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint, save money on waste disposal, and contribute to a more sustainable future. For small businesses, adopting recycling practices can be a challenge due to limited resources, lack of knowledge about the recycling process, and inadequate space to store recyclable materials. However, with some simple steps, small businesses can start a successful recycling program that benefits both their bottom line and the environment.

The first step in establishing a recycling program is to assess the types of materials that the business generates and determine what can be recycled. Common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals. Once the types of materials have been identified, the business can work with a local recycling company to set up a recycling program. Many recycling companies provide a free estimate for recycled materials and offer pickup services, making it easy for businesses to dispose of their recyclables.

To encourage employees to participate in the recycling program, it is important to provide education and training on recycling practices. This can include providing information on what can and cannot be recycled, labeling recycling bins to make it clear what materials go where, and establishing guidelines for recycling in the workplace. By involving employees in the recycling process, businesses can increase the success of their recycling program and create a culture of sustainability in the workplace.

Another important aspect of commercial recycling is waste reduction. Businesses can reduce waste by implementing practices such as reducing paper usage, encouraging the use of reusable containers, and composting organic waste. These practices not only reduce the amount of waste generated by the business, but they can also save money on waste disposal fees. In addition to reducing waste, businesses can also consider purchasing products made from recycled materials. By supporting the use of recycled materials, businesses can help create a market for recycled goods, further supporting the recycling industry.

Finally, businesses should monitor and evaluate their recycling program on an ongoing basis to ensure that it is meeting their needs and achieving their goals. This can include tracking the amount of materials recycled, assessing the cost savings from reduced waste disposal fees, and soliciting feedback from employees and customers.

Commercial recycling is an important practice for small businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact, save money on waste disposal, and contribute to a more sustainable future. By assessing the types of materials generated, establishing a recycling program, educating employees, reducing waste, purchasing products made from recycled materials, and monitoring progress, businesses can successfully implement a recycling program that benefits both their business and the environment.

OVP Recycling is a South Florida-based commercial recycling company that provides recycling services for plastic, paper, aluminum, pallets, and other recyclable materials. Not only will small businesses save money from commercial recycling, they can also generate additional revenues by selling the recycled material to OVP Recycling.

If you are thinking about recycling your commercial waste or starting a recycling and sustainability program in your company, give us a call. We look forward to helping you protect the environment.

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Florida Recyclng Trends 2023

As we enter the year 2023, businesses in Florida are continuing to make strides in adopting sustainable practices, including recycling. Recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. This process has numerous benefits for both the environment and businesses themselves.

One major benefit of recycling for businesses is cost savings. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and aluminum, businesses can reduce the amount of waste they produce, which in turn reduces the amount of money spent on waste disposal. Recycling can also generate revenue for businesses through the sale of recyclable materials. Many recycling facilities offer payment for materials such as cardboard, metal, and plastic, providing an additional source of income for businesses.

Another benefit of recycling is improved environmental sustainability. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can have negative environmental impacts such as leaching of toxic chemicals into groundwater and production of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling also conserves natural resources, such as trees and oil, by reusing materials instead of extracting new ones.

In Florida, businesses have been taking steps to improve their recycling efforts. One trend that has emerged in recent years is the implementation of composting programs. Composting involves the decomposition of organic materials such as food waste and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also provides a sustainable source of fertilizer for gardens and agricultural fields.

Another trend in Florida is the use of recycled materials in product design. Many businesses are now incorporating recycled materials, such as plastic and glass, into their products. This not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also creates a market for recycled materials, encouraging more recycling efforts.

In addition to these trends, many businesses in Florida are also implementing waste reduction programs to complement their recycling efforts. Waste reduction involves reducing the amount of waste produced in the first place, such as through the use of reusable containers and products or by implementing more efficient production processes.

Overall, the benefits of recycling and sustainability for businesses in Florida are clear. By reducing waste and conserving natural resources, businesses can save money, improve their environmental sustainability, and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. As we continue to move forward into the future, it is important for businesses to prioritize sustainability and embrace practices such as recycling to ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Start or improve your recycling program today. Contact OVP Recycling to get a free quote to meet your commercial recycling needs.

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How to Stay Ahead of the 2023 Commercial Recycling Trends

As a business owner, staying ahead of the trends can be tricky. However, keeping up with commercial recycling trends is one of the most important steps you can take for your business in 2023. With new regulations popping up every day and more people becoming environmentally conscious, it’s important to ensure that your company is doing its part. Let’s explore some of the top trends in commercial recycling for this year.

Technology-Based Solutions

One trend that has been gaining steam in recent years is technology-based solutions for commercial recycling and waste management. This includes everything from automated bin systems to computer programs designed specifically to track and monitor landfill waste. Automated systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease-of-use and efficiency. For example, a business can install an automated system that will sort recyclables into separate bins based on type. This eliminates the need for staff members to manually sort through materials and makes it easier to keep track of exactly how much waste is being recycled or diverted from landfills each month.

Zero Waste Goals

Another trend that’s become increasingly popular over the past few years is setting zero waste goals for businesses. Zero waste goals are exactly what they sound like — a goal for businesses to reduce their overall waste output by diverting all possible materials from landfills or incinerators into reusable or recyclable streams. To meet these goals, businesses must have effective strategies in place, such as reuse programs, composting initiatives, comprehensive recycling plans, and more. Setting a zero waste goal may seem daunting at first, but it’s important to remember that any progress made towards reducing your business’s environmental impact should be celebrated!

Alternative Materials

The final trend we’re seeing when it comes to commercial recycling is the use of alternative materials instead of traditional plastics or metals. Many companies are now turning away from using conventional materials to reduce their environmental footprint and create more sustainable products and packaging options. Some examples of alternative materials include bamboo, hemp, cork, paperboard, bioplastics, and more – all of which are great options if you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal!

Commercial recycling is an incredibly important topic for businesses and consumers in 2023. From technology-based solutions to zero waste goals and alternative materials, there are plenty of ways to ensure your company is staying ahead of the curve in environmental responsibility! By now researching which strategies would work best for you, you’ll be prepared not only now but also well into the future as regulations continue changing and evolving with ever-increasing speed!

You can start or continue your journey by contacting OVP Recycling to get a quote for your recycled material and get tips on how to improve your sustainability initiatives.

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Paper Recycling -Benefits

Paper is a versatile material that can be reused and recycled over and over again.  Paper products such as toilet paper, greeting cards, wallpaper, and more are often packaged in recycled paper. You might be surprised to learn how many things can be made from paper waste.

Find out why it’s good for the planet and the economy to recycle paper and learn how you can help the cause.

In what ways does paper recycling take place?

Recycling the paper and cardboard that people throw away from their homes and businesses is an intricate and interesting process.

The First Step: Sorting

The first thing that happens to your used paper at the paper mill is sorting.  Glossy paper, regular printer paper, newspaper, etc., are all distinct types of paper, and each has its own category and subcategory. Recycling papers is more effective if you sort them by type.

Step two: shredding and pulping

Paper is shredded and turned into pulp only after it has been cleaned of any unwanted materials.  In order to separate the paper fibers, the paper is first shredded into small pieces, and then water and other chemicals are added.  The end product is a pulp that can be used to create new paper goods. Pulp goes through a brief cleaning process to get rid of any contaminants like paper clips and staples before moving on to the next step.

Step Three: De-inking

To “de-ink” the pulp, you must wash it to remove all traces of ink, glue, and other chemicals.  Floatation is a more thorough cleaning process that may be necessary for some larger and stickier particles that are harder to clean. The pulp is then sent to a floatation vat, where air and surfactants are added. The ink and other debris cling to the airborne particles, rise to the surface, and are removed.

Fourthly, bleaching

The pulp undergoes either a bleaching or dying process to give the finished paper its desired hue. Hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, or chlorine dioxide can be added to create a white paper. When cardboard is being made, however, the pulp isn’t whitened.

Step Five: Drying and rolling out

Drying and rolling are the final steps in the paper recycling process.

To remove excess moisture, the pulp is fed between massive rollers before being run over hot rollers and wound into a massive roll. Manufacturers all over the world receive these rolls, which can measure up to 30 feet in width and weigh up to 20 tons, to incorporate into their recycled paper goods.

Recycling paper is good for the environment.

Material intended for recycling, such as paper and cardboard. Collections of cardboard boxes for reuse.

The practice of recycling paper at home or at the office has many positive effects on the environment. When you consider that each UK household wastes the equivalent of six trees’ worth of paper each year, you can see why proper recycling of such items is so important for protecting our finite natural resources.

Most paper and cardboard can be recycled, and reused paper reduces landfill trash and atmospheric pollution. Recycling paper can cut CO2 emissions by about 20% compared to burning it. Paper recycling has the major benefit of requiring much less energy than producing new paper goods. About 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 4,000 kilowatt-hours of energy are saved for every tonne of recycled paper. In addition, paper can be recycled multiple times, sometimes as many as seven, allowing us to preserve the world’s limited natural resources.

Paper recycling is a good investment.

Recycling paper has many financial benefits in addition to environmental ones like lowering carbon dioxide emissions, cutting down on water and energy use, and decreasing the need for landfills.

Paper recycling is a growing industry that needs people with the skills to sort and separate paper waste.

By reusing paper, businesses can easily meet their paper needs without increasing their environmental impact. A company’s green credentials help it avoid or pay less in environmental fines or taxes, while also improving its standing in the eyes of potential buyers.

Innovations in both technology and production have come about in part because of the paper recycling industry, and this trend will only increase. As scientists and engineers collaborate to advance the field, this growth also generates new employment opportunities.

Some products are made with a combination of virgin fibers and recycled paper to make it stronger. Most businesses prefer to use wood from FSC-certified forests because it helps sustain local economies and creates jobs for people in need.

One last thing: paper recycling is a part of the circular economy, which aims to extend the life of resources through repeated use. Switching to a circular economy could reduce waste, boost innovation, and create jobs, creating an economic opportunity worth $4.5 trillion.

What kinds of items contain recycled paper?

Green background with paper cutlery enclosed in a white cotton net bag.

Switching to recycled paper at home, the office, or the classroom is a simple process. These products are a great way to help the paper recycling industry while also taking advantage of the many perks of using recycled paper.

Cardboard

Wrapping paper color brown

Photocopying and printing paper

Tissue products such as toilet paper, paper towels, and hand towels

Pussycats’ Litter

Totes of H2O

Furniture

Products for Construction

Tongs, spoons, and chopsticks

Articles of clothing and handbags

lamps, sculptures, and vases are all examples of home decor.

Among the more out-of-the-ordinary paper goods are:

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The Benefits of Implementing a Commercial Recycling Program

Did you know that almost 60% of what Americans discard could be recycled? That’s a lot of potential waste that businesses can reduce by implementing a commercial recycling program.
There are many benefits to implementing a recycling program for your business, including reducing your environmental impact, saving money on waste disposal costs, and helping to create a more sustainable workplace. Read on to learn more about the benefits of commercial recycling and how to get started.

Recycling the waste produced by your business is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money. By working with a professional recycling company like OVP Recycling, you can get rid of your commercial waste in an environmentally responsible way and reduce your trash bill at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Call us today for a free quote and see how much money and resources your business can save by recycling its waste! There are many recyclable materials, so be sure to contact us to find out what type of waste your business produces. We can provide you with a quote for our recycling services and help you get started on reducing your carbon footprint today.

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Recycle Composite and Biodegradable Packaging

Many companies have devoted considerable time, effort, money, and resources to developing packaging that will degrade naturally in the environment without harming wildlife. As a result, biodegradable and compostable packaging has risen to the status of a specialty item.

To put it another way, it allows the packaging to serve a secondary function. Although many people are already aware that compostable and biodegradable packaging is available for perishable goods, clothing and retail brands are also increasingly utilizing compostable packaging in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

OVP Recycling specializes in commercial recycling of all types of material. Continue your sustainability efforts. Contact OVP recycling and request a free quote for your recycling material.

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Mono-Material Packaging

Many people are surprised when they hear about the hidden materials inside a lot of packaging, such as laminated and composite packaging, which make the packaging non-recyclable. When more than one material is integrated into packaging, it makes it difficult to separate, and then it renders the packaging unrecyclable, so this packaging ends up in the landfill. Companies are solving this problem by using mono-material packaging, which ensures that the material is completely recyclable. Mono-material packaging is a package that contains only one type of material, making it easier to recycle than traditional packaging that is multi-layered. The trend toward mono-material packaging is picking up speed, and in 2020, packaging closed with mono-material was 21.51 million tons at a value of $58.9 billion dollars. 

The benefits of mono-material packaging

  • Recycling mono-materials is simple and straightforward compared to recycling multi-layer packaging, which is challenging because of the need to separate the different film layers.
  •  Mono-material packaging is environmentally friendly.
  •  It is easier and requires less energy to manufacture, and that improves the efficiency of the production process.
  •  Recycling of mono-materials contributes to the circular global economy and reduces damaging waste and excessive resource usage.
  •  Packaging collected as waste material goes into a waste management process, and it can then be repurposed.

If you are a manufacturer or the company using packaging material, ask about more than material from your suppliers and ensure that you are implementing sustainable practices within your organization. If you are already using mono-material and need recycling support, contact OVP Recycling for a free quote and learn about our services. 

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Plastics Recycling Trends 2022

In recent years, eco-friendly and sustainability have become popular phrases used in many corporations to tout their environmental awareness and woo consumers through marketing campaigns and brands. Several of these corporations are not necessarily practicing what they preach. They slip the right words in but do not follow up with action. By embracing these buzzwords, the companies attract environmentally sensitive consumers while making themselves appear socially responsible. But to be truly serious, businesses must begin practicing sound recycling practices to back up their campaign claims.

For the companies that attempt to protect the environment, they face a unique challenge in their packaging. Historically, plastic has been used as the go-to packaging material to protect our food and keep it fresh. There are alternatives to plastics, such as paper, glass, aluminum, and steel, but various studies confirm that plastic is more efficient because it is stronger and lightweight. All of this means plastic is better than the alternatives at shipping more products at a lower weight when it comes to shipping products.  In addition, since packaging with plastics uses less material, it also uses less energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and waste. In addition, food waste accounts for a substantial amount of methane emissions which is 21 times more potent than C02. Using plastic packing reduces this emission by keeping food longer, thus preventing food waste and methane emissions. 

With the growth of eCommerce and people purchasing more and more products online, plastic packaging will stay around for a long time; therefore, preserving our food and protecting our environment must work hand in hand. The solution is to improve our recycling activities.

So, if you are a manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, or even administration service business and have not yet started recycling, it is time. Take this first step to contributing to a clean environment, reducing pollution, and protecting this planet we call earth. If you have already adopted recycling strategies, great; keep it going.

We want to earn your business at OVP Recycling. If you are looking for a reputable, easy to deal with commercial recycling company, call now to Get a Free Estimate for your recycled material.

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Metal Recycling Opportunities

The demand for scrap metal continues to grow in Southeast Asia despite the constraint and logistical problems created by COVID-19. Metal producers in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India continue their push to convert scrap into secondary metals to be used in transportation and building products that they expect to contribute to the gross domestic product in the region. In addition, large amounts of recovered fiber are consumed by the region’s paper and board producers. While the growth in demand is fueled by regional producers, there’s a large influx of multinational firms joining the marketplace and increasing the level of metal available to the domestic region. Companies like Tata Steel are increasing their investment in infrastructure used to process scrap. The CEO at Tata noted that recycling is expected to become even more important as the world becomes more conscious and aware of the dangers of carbon emissions and climate change and any opportunity related to recycling will be considered even more so as a raw material for the future.
Nowadays, scrap metal is arriving in many countries in the form of entire containers rather than shredded or baled grades. According to VesselValue, a market industry firm, over 275 containers were sold as scrap in 2021, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the previous year. This practice of selling entire containers as scrap is partly attributed to the high cost of dismantling and scrapping the containers. In 2021, nearly 130 tankers were scrapped along with 50 bulk vessels and 10 container ships. This represents about 11.9 million deadweight tonnage in cargo volume, valued at more than $1 billion in scrap metal. The United States is a major exporter of scrap metal to Canada, Mexico, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Based in Plantation, South Florida, OVP Recycling can help you convert your scrap metal, whether shredded, baled, or as containers, to income for your organization. Call us now to get a free quote on your scrap metals, paper, pallets, or other recyclable material or commodity.

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Commercial Recycling Benefits

​​Recycling waste by commercial small and medium-sized businesses is rapidly becoming a profit center for those organizations that take advantage of the benefits from recycling. Some businesses may still not be aware that they can sell their waste recycled commodities (such as paper, plastic, metal, aluminum, and wood). Not only can businesses benefit from recycling by making a profit or at least earning revenue to contribute to the business, but it is the right thing to do.

Customers and clients are becoming more aware and also more active and generally, people support companies that are pursuing sustainable business practices. Our failure to pursue environmentally responsible behavior can harm a business. Businesses that are responsible and practice smart sustainable recycling can earn a reputation as a green company and in some cases earn higher profit margins, enjoy better customer satisfaction levels, and higher revenues. 

It has never been easier for commercial organizations to recycle their waste. In some cases, cities will collect the waste if it is properly sorted, and this will satisfy the minimum requirement of practicing sustainable behavior. But why forgo revenue that could be generated by selling your recycled commodities to a recycling company, that will then either process your waste and produce new renewable materials or trade it to other companies? This is the best practice because it also prevents landfills from becoming clogged and it contributes to a cleaner planet.

OVP Recycling is a Florida-based recycling company that recycles waste for businesses. The materials they recycle include plastics, wood, cardboard, paper, and metals. We are located in South Florida and serve all of Broward County, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. If you are looking to start recycling your waste commodities or have been recycling but may not be satisfied with your current recycling partner, contact us today to get a free quote.