Waste and Recycling Management Solutions from Rubbermaid Commercial Products^®

Optimize Waste Flow Through Facilities

Did you know that 75% of waste is generated in commercial facilities¹? And 14 million tons of recyclables are thrown away every year². These statistics demonstrate the importance of building an effective waste management system.

By providing recycling options throughout the waste management process, businesses can improve recycling effectiveness and achieve sustainability certifications that can lead to cost savings.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products offers a full breadth of front and back-of-house products to facilitate the collection, movement, and disposal of waste and recyclables.

Front-Of-House

The front-of-house in an establishment is considered the area where first impressions are made. Part of creating a positive experience is making sure the environment is clean and welcoming. Front-of-house waste management refers to the refuse and recycling containers that the public see both inside and outside of a business. Because they are customer facing, their appearance and strategic placement is important.

Outdoor Waste Containers

Waste containers in outdoor areas serve a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness, contributing to sustainability, and promoting a positive atmosphere. They are a visitor’s first impression of a business, so containers should have visual appeal and be durable enough to withstand outdoor elements.

Important features to look for in outdoor containers are:

• An aesthetic design to appeal to visitors
• Durable design to withstand outdoor elements
• Visible bins and labels to promote the separation of recyclable materials

Indoor Waste Containers

Indoor waste containers play a pivotal role in ensuring a clean and organized environment. They should blend in with the interior décor to create a more cohesive look while providing convenience to guests.

Important features to look for in indoor waste containers are:

• Aesthetic, modern design to blend with facilities and appeal to visitors
• Ergonomic features to speed up waste removal
• Visible bins and labels to promote the separation of recyclable materials

Recycling Stations

Both outdoor and indoor waste containers should be integrated with recycling stations. This ensures an organized process for appropriately discarding waste. Recycling stations with consistent color-coding and labels help drive recycling compliance.

Important features to look for in a recycling station are:

• Multi-stream, color-coded containers with waste stream label options to provide visual cues
• Adaptable systems to configure and grow with recycling program needs

Back-Of-House

Back-of-house waste collection deals with waste generated behind the scenes, like employee break rooms and operational zones. Waste management products in these areas are important for employees to perform their duties smoothly, maintain a clean environment, and reduce the risk of injury. Functionality is key as well-designed waste management systems streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and ensure a well-organized and hygienic workspace.

A back-of-house waste container should have:

• A durable design to withstand tough commercial environments
• Venting channels to make lifting liners easier and improve worker productivity

Waste Movement

Waste movement involves transferring waste from collection points to storage and disposal areas for further treatment. Items processed at waste movement stations can be taken to the following endpoints for disposal:

• Landfill
• Incinerator or other waste-to-energy plant
• Hazardous waste facility
• Recycling center

Important features to look for in waste movement products are: 

• Durable design to withstand tough commercial environments
• Ergonomic design to move heavy loads easier and reduce the risk of worker injury

Please use the following chart as a guide when selecting containers for your space.

By effectively collecting and moving waste throughout a facility, businesses can improve aesthetics, encourage recycling , and create a better overall experience for patrons.

1. EPA, Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2013 Fact Sheet
2. Cal Recycle, 2008 Statewide Waste Characterization data