What do I do with…?

Office Supplies

What is office waste? Oftentimes, there are a number of unnecessary waste streams produced in an office setting. By addressing them, your office can streamline functionality and even save money! Office waste can easily be avoided by practicing waste prevention, reusing products, recycling, and composting.

Examples: printer paper, ink cartridges, ink pens, pencils, markers, glue, tape, note pads, paper clips, folders, binders, printer, fax machine, computers, phones, monitors, keyboards, mouses, break room, food scraps, bottles, cans, junk mail

Reduce

• Only print when necessary, consider electronic versions of documents and presentations

• Choose 100% post-consumer recycled content paper products

• Stop junk mail through Catalog Choice & DMA Choice

Reuse

• Reuse your supplies as much as possible, and buy in bulk to save packaging

• Consider buying refurbished computers & printers as well as gently-used desks, chairs, and other large office items

• Check for used office supplies and equipment at thrift stores; donate your used but functional office items to:

  • Bargain Corner

  • Missoula Goodwill

  • YWCA Secret Seconds- South

  • YWCA Secret Seconds-North

  • Teen Challenge Thrift Store

  • Zootown Thrift

• Home ReSource takes used desks, chairs, file cabinets, tables and more. (call to confirm current acceptance policies)

Recycle

• Recycle your used ink and toner cartridges at Staples

• Subscribe to office recycling & compost collection services

Collection Service Options:

• Garden City Recycling collects cardboard (corrugated and non), plastics (#1 Bottles & #2 Bottles - no plastic bags, no lids, no food trays), aluminum cans, tin, junk mail, newspapers, magazines, & phone books

• Republic Services collects many of those items as well - view their recycling guide

• Missoula Compost Collection collects all food scraps including meat, fish, & dairy

• Soil Cycle Compost Services collects vegetative food scraps - no meat, fish, or dairy