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Waste Management
& Recycling Program
Home > Programs > Waste Management & Recycling > Maine Recycles Week > Business and Individual Participation
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Waste Management & Recycling Program

Business and Individual Participation

Over the years, Maine Recycles Week has come to be associated with schools and children celebrating recycling in their communities.  School children are not generally the property owners or tax payers, so when we ask why do we recycle we are often addressing the wrong audience - or the right audience indirectly. 

The adult population serves as the earth’s stewards now.  If there are complaints about community services, they have to generally come from our local individuals that are not afraid to speak out and be critical of how the community in general does anything. Once it is brought to our attention the problem can be addressed. The waste stream often bares the brunt of criticism; however in Maine, waste reduction efforts have gone well. There are reasons to celebrate, as well as to try even harder to reach the state-wide goal of 50% recycling.  What is done in school can be done at home; and what can be done at work should be done at home.  Businesses and individuals have a part to play in Maine Recycles Week too.

There are many ways to celebrate Maine Recycles Week, whether you are a business, or an individual. We have provided some suggestions below on how to celebrate MRW!

Businesses

  • Prepare displays for the office and then share with the community.
  • Hold a promotional sale or special display of recycled products.
  • Hold a recycling contest between employees or departments.
  • Commit to buy recycled products for the business, from recycled copier and printer paper to toilet paper and paper towels.
  • Take time to stuff checks and bills with recycling tips.

    For retail stores:

    Use shelf tags to identify products made from recycled content.

    Display a shopping cart of various recycled content products or packaging.

    Build your recycling success into your weekly advertising and feel free to use the recycling logo in your ads and send us samples of your creativity.

Individuals

  • Recycle more and buy recycled products.
  • Encourage your municipality, local schools, and area businesses to participate in Maine Recycles Week!
  • Better yet, join your local recycling committee and help them plan a Maine Recycles Week event.
  • Send us an e-mail telling us about your commitment to recycling.

For information to get yourself or your business involved in this year's Maine Recycles Week, please contact Bruce White at (207) 287-8053/1-800-622-4545, or bruce.white@maine.gov.