|
We offer two different types of recycling programs:
| 1. "Sort & Go" is designed for facilities that serve primarily older students and adult food customers, i.e. commercial, industrial and education (middle school and up). Polystyrene products used include plates, cups, containers and cutlery. When the user approaches the recycling collection unit they are encouraged via signs to separate the food, drink and non-polystyrene items into the "Waste" receptacle. Polystyrene items are collected in their own receptacle. Polystyrene recycling rates will vary depending on a number of issues - from a strong interest in recycling, to peer pressure, to no interest at all. Most facilities can expect recycling rates from 55% to 85%. We have found that repeated recycling information and signs improve the recycling rate. We provide an outside collection and storage unit. These units hold 3 cubic yards of soiled material. Soiled material is picked up weekly. In cases of higher volume, pick-up is as needed. |
| 2. "Restacking" is designed for locations where the environment is controlled and specific instructions are followed. Polystyrene products used include compartmented "school lunch trays", plates and cutlery. Major users of this program include lower grades in schools, health care and correction facilities. User returns the soiled tray/plate to a collection area where it is restacked and placed back in it’s shipping container. This works equally well for cutlery collection resulting in high levels of return. Recycling rates usually are in the high 90% range. Soiled material is picked up weekly. In cases of higher volume, pick-up is as needed. |
What Are the Benefits?
- Lower cost overall program
- Proven program
- Truly recycling
- Program easily implemented
- Product stewardship
- Encourages overall recycling
How We Charge For Our Services
We charge for recycling services in addition to the product that is purchased from us. Sorry – we do not offer recycling services for any products not purchased from us.
Recycling service charges are based on pounds of new material purchased and are actually two different charges:
| 1. Retrieval Charge which covers the cost of the return of the soiled material to the processing facility, (this charge replaces your current cost of waste collection and disposal). |
| 2. Processing Charge which covers the cost of processing the soiled material back to recycled polystyrene resin. |
We offer two invoicing programs:
| 1. Product, Retrieval Charge, Processing Charge are individually listed on the invoice. |
| 2. Product and all recycling charges are combined into one price. |
Some customers prefer to see the "Recycling Charges" broken out for accounting purposes while others prefer a combined cost. The program cost remains the same with either invoicing method.
Is the Program Cost Effective?
YES! Customers have found that even when adding the cost of the recycling to the cost of the packaging there is a saving over most other products and their disposal. The savings in comparing a complete program of polystyrene products with recycling charges versus an all-paper program ranges from 5% to 15%. Savings are also possible when comparing our system to using permanent-ware and a commercial dishwasher. Many schools are continuing to have problems with dish machine maintenance and finding sufficient adult help to operate the equipment properly.
How Can I Determine if This Program is Cost Effective For My Facility?
If requested, we will be pleased to develop a side-by-side product and price comparison spreadsheet of our product and recycling system versus your current program. We will need to know what products you are currently using and the approximate quantity of each used per month.
Please Note: You do not need to expose your costs if you so wish. Your product cost will be left blank for you to fill in and extend. Or if you wish you can include your cost of product and we will provide you with a complete product/price comparison spreadsheet. Additionally we will also need to have the cost and frequency of your solid waste (trash) disposal.
If The Recycling Professionals, Inc., program sounds like it would fit your facilities needs, we encourage you to contact us at the phone or fax number listed below for more information or to obtain a comparison cost spreadsheet.
|
