Counties Launch New Recycling Program for Area Businesses

East metro businesses looking to learn more about recycling paper, bottles, cans, food and other organic waste have a new resource available.

The Ramsey/Washington County Resource Recovery Project has launched BizRecycling, a program providing resources and free assistance to east metro businesses and groups that want to learn more about recycling opportunities.

“Businesses generate a lot of trash and recyclables, and the counties have designed BizRecycling to help them be aware of the opportunities that recycling can bring,” Washington County Commissioner Autumn Lehrke said in a release. “We’re excited about this new initiative by the Resource Recovery Project and the expertise BizRecycling consultants can provide to our community.”

BizRecycling offers access to resources for businesses and organizations such as schools, restaurants and health care facilities at a new website, LessTrash.com, which shows how businesses can save money by diverting recyclable material. The site also provides access to experts in the field.

The Barbary Fig in St. Paul is saving $1,721 per year after making changes to its trash service and recycling more, according to the release.

Businesses and institutions can sign up for a free 30-minute “makeover” from a recycling consultant by visiting Get Started on LessTrash.com or by calling 651-266-1199. Any business or institution located in Ramsey or Washington counties is eligible for the free service.

“The goal of BizRecycling is to promote job growth and protect the environment by assisting local businesses to recycle more,” Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt said in the release.

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