How to lower waste disposal costs

The best way to cut waste disposal costs is to reduce the waste generated. A cost-efficient way is to reuse products in their present form. Materials that can’t be eliminated or reused can be recycled to reduce disposal costs. By diverting waste from garbage bins into recycling bins, businesses can reduce their garbage bin size and the frequency of collection. This could reduce garbage collection costs and associated fees on garbage. See this example how recycling saves money. So reduce, reuse and recycle products to lower your waste disposal costs.

A few ideas follow.

Step 1: Reduce, reuse, and recycle writing or printing paper.
A) Print on both sides of the paper.
B) Update your mailing list as regularly as possible.
C) Reuse manila envelopes.
C) Always use the second side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the blank side as scrap paper. Use scrap paper to take notes instead of using notebooks, company pads, or message pads. Use scrap paper instead of stickies.
D) Instead of making individual copies, circulate memos, periodicals, and reports.
E) Review your document on the screen instead of printing a draft. If you must print a draft, use the blank back side of used paper.
F) Save documents on computer disk instead of making print copies.
G) Reduce all junk mail by 75% by registering for Mail Preferences Service on Direct Marketing Association website.
H) Avoid color printing. Color printing generally uses more ink, so print in black and white when you can.
I) When typing documents, especially drafts, use a smaller font and decrease the spacing between lines, or reformat to keep your document to as few pages as possible, especially when typing drafts.

Step 2: Reduce, reuse, and recycle Packaging and Shipping.
A) Use durable boxes instead of cardboard boxes for shipping to branch offices, stores and warehouses.
B) Reuse foam peanuts and cardboard boxes.
C) Return cardboard boxes and foam peanuts to distributors for reuse.
D) Reuse wooden pallets.
E) Order merchandise in bulk.
F) Request supplier to ship in returnable containers.

Step 3: Reduce, reuse, and recycle equipment.
A) Invest in waste reducing equipment such as copiers that print on both sides of the paper, dishwashing machine and durable dinnerware.
B) Recharge fax and printer cartridges.
C) Use rechargeable batteries.

Step 4: Reduce, reuse, and recycle landscaping waste.
A) Compost grass clippings and leaves.
B) Use compost as manure for your landscape.

Step 5: Reduce, reuse, and recycle personal waste.
A) Use cloth towels, tablecloths and napkins instead of paper products.
B) Use durable dishes, cups and glasses instead of disposable products.
C) Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. But if you do order delivery, join coworkers in placing a large order (more efficient than many separate ones).
D) Use cloth roll towels in restrooms for wiping hands.

Realistic Solutions for Businesses To Reduce Paper Waste and Related Costs

As far back as 1975 in an article printed in Business Week entitled “The Office of the Future”, the phrase “Paperless Office” was introduced. The same article that predicted that by 1995, it would be possible to have a “TV display terminal with keyboard” located on office desks, also predicted the reduction of “hard copy” or “printed paper” in the office. Interestingly, over 30 years later, the reduction of paper in the office remains the elusive and complicated concept and office desktop computers (a strange concept indeed in 1975!) have become as commonplace as pencil holders and staplers.

The simple truth is that people like to touch paper and have it on their desks. They like to move it from one pile to another as a symbolic gesture of completion. They like to size up the amount of paper as a prediction for how long a task will take or has taken. They like to write on it by hand and circle and highlight words. In short, people like paper. Paper has staying power.

But if, as some have estimated, we each use 675 pounds of paper per year in the United States, isn’t paper reduction an identifiable way to reduce waste and costs in the office? Well, “identifiable” does not equate with “easy.” The 1975 Business Week article quoted a corporate executive as saying: “How well we succeed . . . depends on how well we understand the human interface and the thought process as they go through the daily work process.” How true that is. There are, as we know, certain advantages to using paper documents at certain times. Very long documents are often more easily read in hard copy, for example. When several people are making edits, suggestions or comments to the same document, it may be practical to make handwritten mark-ups to individual paper copies of the draft. Certain documents that one relies on or refers to many times throughout the workday might be more conveniently located on one’s desk for ease of reference, than in a computer database.

Certainly, there are paper documents that are extinct or nearly so today. Telephone directories and encyclopedias exist almost exclusively in the virtual world. But Paperless Offices? They are hard to find. Unless you know what you are looking for. In other words, perhaps there has been something read into the early predictions of a “Paperless Office” that was never there in the first place. Perhaps we have misinterpreted the concept of the Paperless Office to mean zero paper, when in fact, a more appropriate goal is probably Paper-Less not Paper-Free. This is a much more attainable and still quantifiable goal for small businesses. Keep in mind that the economic benefits of going Paper-Less extend beyond the mere reduced costs of paper reams. Ultimately, a Paper-Less office can provide more efficiency, less duplication of effort, faster communication with and responses to customers, all of which can only improve the bottom line.

With the above thoughts in mind, here are five steps to move toward a goal of going Paper-Less in 2009.

1. Assign a point person to collect and disseminate all incoming and outgoing mail.

“Person” is figurative in this step. It could be a group. It could be a department. The point is, this has to be a centralized effort. All incoming mail must come into the office exclusively through this point person and all outgoing mail must leave the office exclusively through this point person. What does the point person do with the mail? See Step 2.

2. Invest in appropriate scanning equipment.

The reason this step necessarily follows Step 1 is that your point person should be involved in helping to choose the scanning equipment appropriate for your company’s needs and should be someone who can train on and appropriately train others to use the scanning equipment. The point person can then scan all incoming and outgoing mail and distribute through electronic means exclusively. This means that outgoing mail can be distributed via email to persons outside the company, quickly and without copying or postage costs. This also means that all incoming mail can be routed electronically to one person or every person in your company without making a single paper copy. Most people will review their mail quickly and efficiently on their computer desktop, although there will be some who will insist on printing out their mail in hard copies. Accordingly, see Step 3.

3. Address the concerns of the Naysayers.

This step will be an inherent part of any successful effort to going Paper-Less. The truth is some people will resist the effort. Not everyone, but some. Some will insist that they like paper. Agree with them. Some will insist that they have “lost” documents online. Point out that they likely have “lost” paper documents that have not been properly organized. Assure everyone that no one has to give up paper forever. If there are documents that certain people use often and would prefer to keep in hard copy, allow them to do so. Maintain a list (preferably electronic!) of such “hard copy” documents so that the number of documents falling into this category remains finite and identifiable. Ensure that the point person will be the “record-keeper” who will keep, maintain, and preserve the originals of the scanned documents in an organized manner. However, label the originals “Inviolate” and allow only the point person to handle these originals to ensure that they remain organized and intact. These safeguards should assure the naysayers, particularly as you walk them through Step 4.

4. Invest in and ensure that regular back-up systems are in place.

In addition to keeping the originals of the scanned documents, it is imperative that appropriate electronic back-up systems are in place. In addition to the obvious benefits of preserving important documents, you can also help to ensure your employees’ cooperation in the Paper-Less strategy if you demonstrate a commitment to this step. Once you have successfully navigated Steps 1 through 4, you can move on to Step 5.

5. Expand your efforts.

After you have a methodology in place that relies on a centralized point person or group to: a) receive and distribute all incoming and outgoing mail; and b) ensure regular and consistent back-up of the systems in place, then you are ready to go Paper-Less with more and more documents. You can begin looking for other ways to turn your paper documents into electronic files. For example, scan internal memos, brochures, proposals, invoices, manuals, address directories, and compilations of customer information. Scan internal forms that are updated regularly. This way you can update them electronically, saving costly reprints every time changes are made. Keep striving to be Paper-Less. But remember that the only way to successfully go Paper-Less is to embrace the likelihood that you will never be Paper-Free.

By Amy K. Impellizzeri

Energy is lost through windows while heating and cooling interior spaces. Double-paned windows can save energy and money. Energy Star labeled windows are twice as energy efficient as the average 10 year old window. They can reduce energy bills by up to 15% in hot and cold weather. The cost for an average window size is in the range of $600 and $850 or approximately $0.50 per square foot. The following are some tips for investing in energy saving windows.

Tip 1: Invest in Energy Star Labeled windows.

Tip 2: Look for the window performance, as certified by National Fenestration Rating, as per climate conditions.

Tip 3: For colder climate, a rating value of 0.35 or below is recommended by EERE.

Tip 4: For warm climates, look for doubled glazed windows and spectrally selective coating.

Tip 5: Choose windows with 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less of air leakage rating.

Tip 6: For locations with heating and cooling seasons, select windows with low U-values and low Solar Heat Gain Co-efficiency.

Tip 7: In order to install the windows correctly, choose qualified and a reputed window installer.

Small crevices and cracks around doors and windows let air flow in and out. This air leakage can contribute over 40% of energy losses in a building. Weather-stripping gaps along windows and doors can effectively save you energy in winter and summer. Insulation projects are cost effective and pay off in less than a year.

A) Test your office for air leaks. Check door and window frames, phone lines, air conditioners, vents and fans.

B) Before weather-stripping the door, make sure the door latches properly. Make sure the hinges do not have loose screws. Clean the surface. Select weather-stripping material that will stay flexible with the changes in the weather conditions. Choose appropriate door sweep and weather-strip the entire door jam. Use continuous stripping on each side such that they meet tightly at the corners. Click here for EERE’s weather-stripping guide.

C) Weather-strip the sash and the frame of the window. Make sure it does not interfere with closing or opening of the window.

D) Insulate air ducts in unconditioned spaces such as garages, unfinished basements, and attics.

Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs give out mostly light and very little heat. CFL bulbs use 70% less energy and last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. Depending on the size of the bulb, CFLs can save $30-$100 over their lifespan.

A) Check with your utility for rebates on replacing existing bulbs with CFL.

B) Buy Energy Star CFL bulbs.

C) Start by replacing one bulb with CFL.

D) Purchase a CFL bulb (with Energy Star label) whose wattage is one-quarter of the existing bulb you want to replace. For example, a 15-watt range CFL bulb replaces a 60-watt incandescent bulb. CFL bulbs cost as low as $1.50. Click here to view the Energy Star guidelines on CFLs.

E) Try out the CFL bulb for its light color. Bulbs that are labeled ‘soft’ or ‘warm’ white give the soothing yellowish glow usually associated with incandescent lighting. Those labeled ‘cool’ white (3200K-4000K) give out a bright white light, while ‘daylight’ bulbs (400K+) produce the harsh bluish tones.

F) For dimmer-controlled lighting fixture, read the package carefully. Look for three-way CFL bulbs. Most CFLs do not work with dimmers.

G) CFL bulbs contain tiny amounts of mercury. Carefully recycle them. Read the EPA guidelines on CFL recycling.

Overheating and overcooling costs you money. As per the Rocky Mountain Institute, you can save 2% in energy cost for every 1 degree lowered on the thermostat. So why not reduce energy used for heating and cooling?

A) Set the thermostat to 78°F to 80°F in summer months. Save on cooling costs of about 4% to 8% for every degree raised.

B) Set the thermostat to 68°F in winter months. Save 2% or more on heating costs for every one degree lowered on the thermostat. Wear appropriate clothing to suit the season.

C) Invest in a programmable thermostat. Typically a programmable thermostat costs between $30 and $100. Click here to view thermostat products.

D) Set time clocks for usage on the thermostat. Program it for the place when unoccupied.

E) Use locking covers to avoid tampering of the temperature settings.

F) Turn off the thermostat when not in use especially weekends and holidays. You may also turn it off half hour before leaving the office.

Turning off lights after use reduces your electricity bill. It’s probably the easiest way to save money.

A) A normal bulb uses 60 watts of energy in an hour. The same bulb when switched off can save nearly 22,000 watts or 22 kW energy per year! Considering electricity costs $0.10 per hour, you could save $2.2 for switching off one light for one hour every day throughout the year. For eight hours when not in use and switched off, the same light can save you $18 per year and $180 if there are ten such lights. These savings can go up if the lights are switched off on weekends and holidays. Now imagine how much money and energy you are NOT saving by keeping lights on after work or on weekends and holidays. Also, nearly all incandescent bulbs use 10% to 15% of electricity to produce light whereas the rest is turned into heat. So turn off the lights if you are not going to return in five minutes. Make sure your lights are turned off on weekends and holidays.

B) Stick a note at every lighting switch like ‘turn off the lights’ or ‘Don’t forget to turn off the lights’ to remind people. Or purchase posters and stick them up in the office.

C) Ask yourself how many lights you need. Do you need the decorative lights? Maybe you need a task light instead of lighting the entire room. A regular lighting bulb consumes 60-100 watts. Get rid of fixtures not in use.

D) Place your work area near the windows and use natural light. You don’t need a lamp when the room is sunlit. Consider using daylight dimming controls. These devices lower artificial light depending on the ambient natural light. According to the EPA, daylighting controls can boost energy savings by up to 40%. Corridors, open cubicles or private offices near windows can effectively use daylight dimming controls. Solatube Daylight Dimmers may cost between $180 and $250.

E) For areas that are not occupied continuously such as conference rooms, break rooms, individual offices, hallways or basement, install occupancy sensors. The occupancy sensors will automatically switch the lights on/off when you enter or exit the room. Occupancy sensors can eliminate 20% – 80% of lighting energy costs. An occupancy sensor will cost between $50-$100. They are easy to install; if you can replace a light switch, you can install an occupancy sensor.

F) For exterior lighting, use motion sensors. Whenever anything moves within the range of the sensors, the area will be automatically illuminated. Make sure your exterior lights are switched off in the day. A timer can also be used to control the exterior lighting. Lumapro motion sensors cost over $25.

G) According to Future Forests, only 5% of the power drawn by cell phone chargers is actually used to charge phones. The other 95% is wasted when you leave it plugged into the wall, but not into your phone. Turn off or unplug the phone and other battery chargers.

H) A typical desktop computer consumes 65-250 watts whereas a laptop 15-45 watts. Set your computer in energy saving mode. Make the power settings to go into sleep or standby mode within 15 minutes of inactivity. Click here to learn how to set the computer. Turn off the computer at the end of the day. Consider using a laptop computer.

I) Turn off printers and copiers when not in use. A printer uses 10 watts in standby mode. Electronic devices with LCD screen and clocks use energy even when not in use. Stick an energy saving poster near the printer and copier to remind yourself and others.

Please find below summaries we’ve written about various NJ and NY government incentive programs focused on energy efficiency.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the full document, please contact us!

• NJ Solar Incentive Summary
• NY State Incentives Summary for Purchasing Energy Efficient Commercial Equipment
• NY State Incentives Summary for Purchasing Energy Efficient Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• Energy Efficient Lighting Summary

NJ Solar Incentive Summary

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program offers a Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Program for financing solar energy systems. This program is designed to compensate individuals and businesses for generating and using clean energy.

SREC program issues credit certificates. Here is how it works:

It allots 1 credit for every 1000kw of energy generated through the installed solar system.

• Credits are allotted for energy produced in one program year which runs from June 1 through May 31.
• The owner of the credits can trade in the market, voluntary or compliance, through August 31 of that year.
• Solar Renewable Energy Certificates are anticipated to compensate
  New Jersey solar generators at an average rate of $0.20 per kWh
  generated with a rate impact to individual ratepayers estimated to be $0.00002 per kWh.

NY State Incentives Summary for Purchasing Energy Efficient Commercial Equipment

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers various incentives for businesses that
purchase energy efficient equipment such as energy efficient lighting, chiller upgrades or replacements, and solar panels.

Here is information about some of their programs aimed at improving the reliability of New York’s electric grid while helping businesses reduce operating costs.

• The Peak-Load Reduction Program – if your company has a large electric load on summer afternoons then you may be eligible for incentives to offset the costs of up to 65% of energy saving capital improvements.
• The program is divided into two categories: Permanent Demand Reduction and Demand Response.
• Demand Response is defined as any action taken in response to an emergency signal that temporarily limits electric demand.
• Demand Response is an effective way to guard New Yorkers against grid events, reduce dependence on oil, lower peak electric prices, and increase revenue.
• NYSERDA provides businesses with low cost comprehensive energy audits and an excellent loan program offering highly reduced interest rates.

NY State Incentives Summary for Purchasing Energy Efficient Commercial Kitchen Equipment

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers various incentives for businesses that purchase energy efficient equipment, including commercial kitchen equipment such as:

• Electric Steamers
• Ovens
• Fryers
• Pre-rinse spray valves and holding cabinets
• Boilers, furnaces, unit heaters and storage hot water heaters.
• Demand freezer and ice makers
• Unitary HVAC
• Commercial Clothes Washers
• NYSERDA’s incentive programs vary according to the type of energy efficient project and the needs of the customer.
• NYSERDA has organized their incentives into three separate programs, referred to as Tiers. For a given energy efficiency measure, NYSERDA will provide an incentive under only one tier of the applicant’s choice.
• NYSERDA provides participating businesses with excellent resources such as low-cost energy audits and a fantastic loan program offering highly reduced interest rates.

Energy Efficient Lighting Summary

The 2005 Energy Policy Act regulates and mandates energy-efficient lighting systems. It provides accelerated tax deduction incentives to commercial building owners for energy savings achieved through energy-efficient interior lighting upgrades. The lighting upgrade projects must be completed from 2006 through 2008.

Through lighting upgrades to energy efficient systems a commercial building owner can claim up to 45% tax deductions along with 25%-40% energy cost savings with a payback period of less than 3 years.

Here are some details and highlights of the program:

• It reduces the overall taxable income.
• For example, suppose your total taxable income is $10,000 and the lighting tax deduction incentive available to you is $1000. After taking advantage of the incentive your total taxable income becomes $9000. So you now pay tax on $9000.
• This tax deduction allows a company to write off a significant portion – up to 60 cents per square foot – of a capital investment in an energy efficient lighting system in the year it was installed. (Capital Investment refers to money used by a business to purchase fixed assets, such as land, machinery, or buildings.)
• The energy requirement for efficient lighting system is related to the savings in energy in terms of Lighting Power Density.
• The Lighting Power Density is calculated as watts-per-square-foot. For a given space with multiple lighting systems, the Lighting Power Density is calculated as the total wattage of all the lighting systems present in that space (square foot).
• To qualify for the tax deduction incentives, the Lighting Power Density savings of a commercial building after lighting upgrades must be of 25%-40% below the energy standards set in energy efficiency code ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2001.
• To clarify, this tax deduction incentive is in the range of $0.30 to $0.60 per square foot proportional to Lighting Power Density savings of 25%-40% below ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2001.

Lighting technologies

Many technologies can be used to achieve the efficiency targets, such as:

1. T8 lamps + Super T8 lamps
2. High-efficiency electronic ballasts
3. Indirect lighting
4. High-efficiency fixtures
5. Low-wattage metal halide lamps
6. Compact fluorescent
7. T8 and T5HO hi-bay fixtures
8. Occupancy sensors
9. Lighting automation panels
10. Building automation systems
11. Photo-sensors (bi-level switching)
12. Manual switches (bi-level switching)

How To Reduce Energy Costs

Energy bills, especially electricity, are a large chunk of operating expenses for a small business. By practicing simple no-cost or low-cost steps, a business can significantly lower its electricity consumption and save money. The following five steps show you how. Be sure to save at least 10% on your electricity bill.