Need help with your waste reduction and recycling plan? See the list below for ideas. 

DISCLAIMER: References and links to commercial products or services do not constitute or imply an endorsement by DEQ or the Commonwealth of Virginia of such products or services, or their providers. DEQ and the Commonwealth of Virginia are not responsible for the content of external sites.

Guest rooms

• Use bulk soap dispensers instead of individual soaps/shampoos in guest rooms
• Use refillable shampoo bottles rather than single-use bottles
• Instruct housekeeping staff to save and reuse unopened items
• Recycle used soap through Clean the World

Kitchen (or meetings / events)

• Recycle fryer grease
• Donate excess food from events
• Compost food waste and other compostables
• Have an effective food inventory control system to minimize waste

Dining room (or meetings / events)

• Do not use any disposable containers, dishware, cutlery, or cups
• Use disposable foodservice items that are made from bio-based, renewable materials (corn, bamboo, potato starch, sugarcane, etc.)
• Use disposable foodservice items made with recycled content
• Use disposable foodservice items that are recyclable (in your area!)
• Use compostable food service items and direct this material to available composting operations in your area
• Use cloth napkins
• Use reusable coffee filters
• Use non-bleached napkins and coffee filters
• Provide condiments, cream and sugar, etc. in bulk
• Use water pitchers to minimize the use of single-use bottles

Restrooms

• Use bulk soap dispensers in public restrooms
• Use high-efficiency hand-dryers
• Purchase recycled-content paper-towels and toilet paper

Office

• Remove facility and staff names from junk mail lists when possible
• Reuse scrap paper for notes
• Reuse or donate shipping and packing supplies (peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.)
• Use refillable pens and toner cartridges
• Purchase recycled paper with a high-percentage recycled content
• Make double-sided photocopies and avoid making extra photocopies
• Use electronic correspondence and forms when possible

Buildings and grounds

• Use green cleaning products that are dispensed in bulk
• Install carpet with sustainable or recycled content and low-VOC adhesives
• Use reused building materials or those from sustainable sources
• Use latex low or no-VOC paints
• Re-use paint thinners
• Properly recycle and/or disposal of thinners and solvents (required by law)
• Perform preventative maintenance on all appliances, HVAC systems, plumbing, and vehicles
• Use integrated pest management (IPM)
• Minimize use of pesticides and herbicides in landscaping

Use latex low- or no-VOC paints

Definition: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Benefits: Acute health effects of VOCs include eyes, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness and worsening of asthma symptoms. Chronic health effects include increased risk of cancer, liver, kidney and central nervous system damage. 

Use integrated pest management

Definition: US EPA defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as "an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment."  Click here for more information on the US EPA's IPM.