How to Implement a PVC Recycling Program at Your Business

All kinds of industries benefit from the use of PVC in their products, but managing PVC waste can be challenging. The same things that make PVC such a great material—especially its durability—also present long-term environmental challenges.

Whether you regularly use PVC products in your business or manufacture products from PVC, your business generates PVC waste. Instead of sending all of that waste to landfills, your business can implement a PVC recycling program to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to begin a PVC recycling program in partnership with Return Polymers:

Step 1: Assess Your PVC Waste

Before you get started, it’s important to assess the amount and type of PVC waste your business generates.

This involves:

• Conducting a waste audit to identify sources and quantities of PVC waste.
• Classifying PVC waste types (such as rigid PVC, flexible PVC, PVC-U, PVC-P).
• Identifying the stages of your production process where PVC waste occurs.

Return Polymers recycles a lot of PVC, but not every kind of PVC. Consult and download our guide for What We Collect.

Step 2: Connect with Return Polymers

Return Polymers specializes in PVC recycling and can provide the expertise and infrastructure needed for an effective recycling program. Our Full-Circle Recycling Program provides you with everything you need—from collection bins to logistics management—to make recycling your PVC waste simple and pain-free. 

To establish a partnership:

• Contact Return Polymers to discuss your PVC waste and recycling needs.
• Schedule a consultation to understand their recycling processes and capabilities.
• Establish terms of partnership, including logistics, costs, and service agreements.

Step 3: Set Up Collection and Storage Systems

Based on the work you did in Step 1 and 2, Return Polymers will help you determine the most efficient locations for collection bins and storage systems at your business. 

Together, we’ll:

• Designate collection points within your facility for PVC waste.
• Set up labeled bins or containers provided by Return Polymers to separate PVC waste from other materials. Every company’s needs are different; we will work with you to determine the best kind of bin for your business.
• Train employees on proper sorting and disposal practices.

Step 4: Establish Logistics, Led by Return Polymers

Coordinating the logistics of PVC waste collection and transportation is key to ensuring seamless recycling operations. Because of our connection with the AZEK Company, Return Polymers is able to devise innovative strategies for managing recycling logistics. 

We handle every aspect of logistics, including scheduling regular pickups and transporting PVC waste safely and efficiently. We also maintain records of PVC waste quantities and recycling activities for tracking and reporting purposes.

Step 5: Educate and Engage Your Employees

The success of your recycling initiative depends on your team’s buy-in. Just because you put out a bin labeled “PVC Only” doesn’t mean everyone will understand or follow those instructions. 

Here’s what we recommend you do to help your team embrace PVC recycling:

• Conduct training sessions on the importance of PVC recycling and your team’s role.
• Provide clear instructions and guidelines for sorting and disposing PVC waste.
• Encourage employee participation through incentives, recognition, and ongoing communication.

Step 6: Promote Your Sustainability Efforts

Once you’ve implemented your PVC recycling program, shout it from the rooftops! Communicating your recycling efforts and achievements can enhance your business’s reputation and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. 

To promote your program:

• Share your success stories and milestones through press releases, social media, and your company website.
• Highlight the environmental benefits of PVC recycling in marketing materials and customer communications.
• Participate in industry forums and networks to showcase your commitment to sustainability.

Partner with Return Polymers for PVC Recycling

Implementing a PVC recycling program with Return Polymers is a strategic move that can significantly benefit your business and the environment. By following these steps, you can establish a robust recycling system that minimizes waste, conserves resources, and demonstrates your commitment to sustainability. 

For more information on partnering with Return Polymers and starting your PVC recycling program, visit Return Polymers.