Why Should Restaurants Recycle?

With the holidays over, many people are returning to work. Small local lunch counters have a real responsibility usher in a sustainable future. After all, all that take out generates a lot of packaging waste. Finding smart ways incorporate recycling in restaurants can be something as simple as introducing a recycling bin, this can make a huge impact.

Gain and retain new customers

According to an Ohio State University study 8 of 10 consumers are willing to pay more for a “green” dining experience. 65% of those patrons were willing to pay up to 10% more to dine, and 20% willing to pay even more.

“Do the right thing”; show consumers you are willing to dispose of your packaging and food waste responsibly. Recycling in your restaurant will give your consumers a “feel good” act and will make your customers happier. This in turn, will attract new patrons to come.

Recyclable beverage containers reduces energy & increases recycling efficiency

In fact, recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than mining and producing virgin aluminum, and both glass and plastics recycling are up to 70% more efficient. The good news doesn’t stop there, though: aluminum and glass are one of the few materials that can be recycled endlessly with no reduction in quality, and new recycling techniques and methods are improving the rate of recycling efficiency for plastic bottles to 90% or higher.

Theoretically, there will be a time when no virgin beverage packaging materials will need to be used anymore. The sooner we can get to a position where all beverage packaging can re-enter the recycling stream, the sooner this vision of the future will be a reality.

Save Money on Hauling Fees

If you live or work in a province or state with container deposit laws, the benefit to you for putting up a recycling bin is even higher. Not only will you help remove recyclable materials from the waste stream and put them back into use, but you can also make a considerable profit from doing so.

SEE ALSO: Why Businesses Should Recycle?

In many areas, haulers will charge less for your recyclables; it can be reprocessed and sold. Separate recycling collection will reduce the emptying frequency and weight of your trash, thus reducing your costs for pickup. Recycling in your restaurant can help you avoid additional disposal fees in municipalities where recyclables like glass, newspaper, and cardboard must be separate from landfill waste.

In dining, the quality of food is the most important to consumers. Marketing “green” practices, including handling of recyclables and organics can help your restaurant gain a competitive edge for growth and consumer loyalty.