Start a Bar/Restaurant Recycling Program
"I want to recycle. Where do I begin?"
Once you decide to start a recycling program, spending a few moments planning your next moves will be very helpful. First, think about your business and how much waste and recyclables are generated. Do you serve more draft beers or bottles? Do you primarily serve your beverages in containers or in cups? This will help to determine how much material is generated and how much is recyclable.
If you have any questions at all or need guidance on how to start a program
please call DPPEA at (919) 715-6500.
- Estimate recyclable material in your waste stream. An easy way to look at how much glass, plastic and aluminum you have for recycling is look at how much you purchase. For a worksheet to estimate how much recyclable glass you have, click here.
- Contact your solid waste hauler. A waste contractor or a recycling service provider can also help you determine how much waste and recyclables there are to be serviced.
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Find a recycling service provider. If you have more
recyclables than you can feasibly take to a drop-off center, or if
you just want the convenience of a pick-up service, consider
contracting for recycling collection. Many companies across the
state provide recycling service collection.
- Determine locations for interior and exterior collection. For many businesses, space is a challenge. Inside the building, place containers in any strategic location that makes it easy. At trash stations, locate additional recycling collection containers directly next to trash cans to make separation convenient.
The service provider will tell you how to separate the material for
recycling. The legislation does not dictate the type of container you need
to use.
- Determine storage space between pickups. How often waste is collected now will help determine how much space needed. Using the volume of waste and the volume of recyclables generated per day/week, determine how much storage room you have to temporarily store your daily generation.
Collection Options
"What are my options to get the material off-site?"
To maximize your recycling program's efficiency, analyze the volume of materials you generate and pick the service that works for you. These ingredients paired with the appropriate frequency of collection will help make your program cost-effective.
Tip when weighing your options: Remember, you are not paying to
handle MORE waste, just separating the two types of materials - waste and recyclables.
*click [show] to view details
Option #1: Local Government Collection [show]
Option #1: Local Government Collection [hide]
Local governments may offer a drop-off or collection service in your
area. If your business is small and if you are worried about the cost of
another service, a low-cost option is dropping off the material at a
local collection center. Many local governments offer community drop-off
centers that can be accessed by ABC permit holders. A few local
governments also offer collection service. To find out what services are
available through your local government, see this
List of Counties or
List of Municipalities.
Try a drop-off program if:
- Your business is small, and initial cost of another waste management program isn't something you think you can handle.
- A drop off center is close and convenient
- Your employees are close-knit, and willing to work with each other
- You are willing to make recycling transportation part of employees' job descriptions
- You have energy and transit time to devote to taking your recyclables to a drop-off center
- You have limited storage space for recyclables between pick-ups.
To see examples of how local governments are offering container collection to ABC permit-holders, see
Case Studies. ABC permit-holders can also contact their local solid waste, recycling or public works officials to see what kinds of services are available. For information on local contacts, use your local telephone directory, see Local Contacts or call the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance at (919) 715-6500.
The kinds of services offered by haulers, recycling companies and/or local governments will dictate many other aspects of the program, including:
- Whether or not materials need to be separated or can be commingled in any way.
- If bins, carts or other recycling storage will be provided or if they must be procured separately.
- What kinds of bins, carts or other recycling storage are appropriate and most efficient to use.
Option #2: On-site Recycling Collection Services through Waste Hauler [show]
Option #2: On-site Recycling Collection Services through Waste Hauler [hide]
A logical place to start is to ask your existing solid waste hauler to provide recycling services. Most private haulers offer recycling programs. It is important that ABC permit holders explore this option 1) to get a cost baseline to compare with other alternatives, and 2) to understand if the existing solid waste contract obligates the use of the hauler's recycling services.
You might want to consider integrating recycling services with your existing waste contract if:
- The solid waste hauler you work with has recycling services available
- Your waste hauler is willing to work with you to minimize additional costs to your service
- You are satisfied with the company's service
- You don't want to take the time to investigate other options, you just want a quick and easy solution.
- Drop-off centers are not conveniently located, and would take more time and effort than you feel is worthwhile.
Option #3: On-site Recycling Collection Service with Collection Company [show]
Option #3: On-site Recycling Collection Service with Collection Company [hide]
If the hauler you're working with doesn't offer a recycling service, consider contacting a recycling company to pick up your material. Ask your local solid waste department for a nearby recycling company's contact information if you don't know who to call.
Try contracting with a recycling company if:
- A recycling company is near you and can offer your business collection service
- Your business generates a high volume of recyclable material
- Your waste hauler doesn't have service available
- A drop off program is infeasible if high volume, limited time or a drop off site is too far away
Contact the NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental
Assistance (DPPEA) for a list of recycling service providers. Call DPPEA
at (919) 715-6500 or (800) 763-0136.
