For the betterment of our planet
Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa (KDZA) and Carbon Footprint Recycling’s efforts to reduce e-waste, by recycling empty toner cartridges and waste toner bottles, is proving highly successful with 18 companies (44 sites including subsidiaries) participating in the drive since 12 August 2020.
The project encourages companies to send a participation request to Kyocera and agree to an administration fee. In return, they receive a recycling bin and a plastic liner to collect all makes of used printer cartridges. Once the bin is full, the organisation requests collection and the liner is swapped for a new one.
In turn, Carbon Footprint Recycling turns the cartridges into concrete-based planter boxes and other items, that can be used by the participating organisations, or donated to community projects. To date, 1457kgs of recycled material has been collected and turned into planters, benches and pavers. Most importantly, the toner cartridges and waste toner bottles are safely diverted from landfill. The programme participants receive a certificate everytime empty toner cartridges and waste toner bottles are collected, which adds value to your corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Other ways in which we can all contribute to the betterment of our planet is by adopting more sustainable practices in the workplace, such as:
Opting for better office products: Use up old stock before grabbing a new note pad or pen from the supply cupboard and switch to stocking reusable pens and buying environmentally friendly paper.
Eliminate printing waste: Check your print job before sending it, and encourage your team members to do the same. A print management software solution can help reduce paper waste with features like routing print jobs to the most appropriate device.
Add greenery and boost air quality: Plants both absorb pollutants and release oxygen back into the air—a win-win for your office.
Cut down on paper: Encourage employees to think about alternatives to printing before automatically hitting print. Converting your paper records into digital content will also save the piles of paper stacking up in your office.
Remote and flexible working: Reducing commuter traffic cuts down on air pollution, water pollution and oil consumption, all win wins for the planet.
Think about lighting: Introducing more natural light into your company's workspace is a clever way to save energy. Installing smart power strips and replacing existing light bulbs with LED alternatives will also have an impact.
Start a recycling programme: Starting a corporate recycling program is a smart way to get serious about a sustainable workplace. A good place to start is by helping us to dispose of toner cartridges responsibly by encouraging your customers to sign up for our toner collection programme. Contact details: email collections@dza.kyocera.co.za, or call +27 (0)11 595 2711.
There are many ways you can become more environmentally friendly and what you do makes a difference! Don’t delay, start today.
Paul Wendlandt - Interim General Manager - Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa
