In Onondaga County most businesses and organizations have already taken steps to incorporate efficient recycling and waste reduction practices into their operations. Every year, this saves over $12 million in total waste disposal costs and diverts thousands of tons of recyclable materials from the waste stream.
Businesses and organizations that recycle and strive to
minimize the waste they generate achieve the following:
- Conserve natural resources for future generations
- Reduce greenhouse gasses and support sustainable practices
- Demonstrate their commitment to boosting employee morale
- Are recognized by their customers as responsible business leaders
OCRRA (the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) has developed the Blue Ribbon Recycler program to certify and recognize great business recycling and waste reduction practices in our community. This is a voluntary program that encourages all Onondaga County businesses, institutions and organizations to implement proactive recycling and waste minimization initiatives that are good for their bottom line and the environment.
Your workplace is invited to join a growing number of business leaders improving the local economy, protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of life in Onondaga County. Apply to be a Blue Ribbon Recycler today.
Laurie Loiacono, employee of the law firm Bond Schoeneck & King, recycles office paper using an OCRRA supplied container.
Demonstrate Your Company’s Environmental Leadership to Your Customers and to Our Community
OCRRA’s Blue Ribbon Recycler program highlights excellent business recycling performance to the community and your customers. Each business or organization that obtains certification receives the following:
- A certificate/award and decal to display in a public area proclaiming your recycling achievements.
- A recycling certification letter, which highlights that your organization has key recycling and waste reduction practices in place. Post this on your website or share it with potential customers to boost their understanding of your green commitment.
- High profile attention on both OCRRA’s popular website (www.ocrra.org) and Update Newsletter (distributed to over 100,000 local recipients on a quarterly basis)
- A graphical Seal of Recycling Excellence than can be used on your company letterhead, email signatures, and your website
- Promotional Event at your workplace
In addition, every business or organization that receives the Blue Ribbon Recycler certification becomes eligible to be recognized as our community’s Recycler of the Year.
Who may apply for the Business Recycling Certification?
Businesses, organizations, and institutions with a physical location in Onondaga County (excluding the town and village of Skaneateles) may apply for the Blue Ribbon Recycler Certification and must fall under the following commercial/institutional types:
- Medical & Healthcare Institution:
Hospital, Nursing home, Long Term Care, Senior Assisted Living Facility • Download Checklist
- Educational
Institution:
College & Higher Education Facilities, Professional Training Centers • Download Checklist - Retail Business:
Department Store, Big Box Store, Chain & Independent, Grocery Store, Etc. • Download Checklist - Government :
Federal, State, County, City, Town & Village Offices • Download Checklist - Business:
Professional Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Call Center • Download Checklist - Tourism:
Hotel / Motel, Exhibition & Conference Center, Entertainment & Sports Facilities • Download Checklist - Food Service:
Restaurants, Food Service, Catering • Download Checklist
Use the Recycling Checklists to measure your current recycling program and to explore becoming an OCRRA certified Blue Ribbon Recycler.
Gil Newton of Anaren Microwave, recycles office paper using an OCRRA supplied container.
How Does My Business Get Started to Become the Next Blue Ribbon Recycler?
In order to become a Blue Ribbon Recycler in Onondaga County, businesses and organizations must register for the program by completing an online assessment which identifies specific measures and actions taken to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials. There is a small program fee of $25.00 to apply for the certification (fee waived for nonprofit organizations). This payment is collected online at the time the application is submitted and helps cover a portion of the costs to process and review your application. After submitting the online assessment, an OCRRA Recycling Specialist will review the application and determine if an onsite visit should be scheduled to verify that the specified actions are in place, or to offer guidance on what measures need to be completed next to receive the certification. After an OCRRA Recycling Specialist has verified that a business has implemented the measures set forth in the online assessment, OCRRA will issue a dated certification valid for a 2 year period. After the 2-year period, the business may apply to be recertified.