Is Recycling Right for Your 911 or Operations Center?

In the spirit of Earth Day (belated), the Watson Consoles team participated in the second Watson dumpster dive.  We learned that simple improvements to our disposal habits will have high impact on both the bottom line and the health of the oceans, streams and forests we love. Our findings might inspire you to think about your trash differently, too.

Getting Dirty

Not many CEOs jump into the dumpster. Ours does, alongside members of the Watson Consoles team. Our curiosity is grounded in this:

At Watson, we believe we should return this world in better condition than we found it. We adhere to the concept of Practical Environmentalism in which our aggressive pursuit to minimize impact on our planet is achieved within a disciplined structure of environmental and financial accountability.

This philosophy is evidenced by our product materials selection and manufacturing processes. We are always seeking opportunities to improve efficiencies and reduce negative impact on the environment.

Reaching into the rubbish provides tangible evidence of how we impact landfill saturation and the economy of waste management every day with the choices we make at the waste bin.

What Can We Do Better?

Overall, we discovered we have maintained waste reduction goals set after our 2014 Earth Day dumpster dive. That said, we discovered some opportunities for improvement. 

There were an awful lot of paper coffee cups, plates, and bowls found in our garbage (where they belong).

• We’re committing to reduce this waste by bringing and using our own reusable tableware, and coffee mugs.

Empty bottles, cans, and paper are still being tossed into the dumpsters destined for the landfill.

• We are renewing our commitment to deposit recyclable items in designated bins. And we will examine the benefit of relocating recycling receptacles to locations where we have observed elevated misplacement.

As you can see from the breakdown of "typical composition of commercial office waste bins," your center likely has as opportunity to channel materials away from the landfill.

In addition to reducing negative impact on the environment, there is a bottom-line value to company's that choose to prioritize recycling programs. Blogger Steve Kux shares:

“An obvious but potentially unexpected outcome of recycling using less energy and requiring less raw materials is that recycled products cost you less to buy. You can also sell metals and other materials to scrap collectors for a profit. Think of your bank account next time you’re tempted to send an empty soda can to the landfill.”

If you'd like to learn more about how recycling programs can be made easy at your 911  Center, read 8 Amazing Reasons Everyone Should Take Recycling More Seriously. If your Center is ready to take the plunge, check out this 10 Step Action Plan.

Consider using dedicated bins, placing recycling bins close to workstations, or integrating concealed bin storage at central center locations. The image at right shows an integrated locker and receptacle unit that serves aisle end to adjacent workstations.  

Is your PSAP is already engaged in recycling efforts. Share your experience with us, 

Learn more about Watson Consoles environmental philosophy and efforts on our Practical Environmentalism page.    

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• Bring the outdoors in to reduce stress