Implementation... Educate and Train Your Associates

Transcription

1 Implementation...Educate and Train Your Associates 15 Gather regional manager, warehouse manager, sustainability representative, department leads and department associates for a meeting to educate on the benefits and importance of recycling rigid plastic containers. Ongoing training and education is the KEY to success. Implementation... Educate and Train Your Associates Training your retail store associates is a crucial step to ensure your program s success. Training can be accomplished one of two ways...centralized Training or On-Site Training. Centralized Training A one-hour Centralized Training session can be conducted at one store. This will prepare individual store Green Captains with the necessary tools and information to go back to their stores, and train each department manager (deli, bakery, seafood and pharmacy) and their associates. In addition to learning about Why collection of rigid plastic containers is important (with examples of rigid plastic at the meeting for show & tell ) and What containers are included, the group training provides an opportunity for representatives from logistics, distribution, operations, sustainability leaders and other company stakeholders to learn how to: l Identify which wide mouthed containers/trays will be collected l Remove residue solids from containers l Efficiently rinse containers, if necessary l Place rinsed containers to dry l Nest containers by size in dedicated melon bin l Fill bin to the top before shipping to Distribution/Recycling center l Mark store number on bin l Collect container lids in separate clear utility bag and place on top of filled bin l Collect pharmacy stock bottles (if included in program) in clear utility bag l Inspect bin and remove any contamination from bin before returning to Distribution/Recycling Center Place rinsed containers to dry... Nest containers by size in dedicated melon bin... Identify which wide mouthed containers/trays will be collected...

2 Implementation...Educate and Train Your Associates 16 Testimonial We have a large amount of associates who look for ways to stop waste and are very green conscious. - Dave Picano, Sr. Manager of Supply Chain, Ahold USA/ Stop n Shop In-Store Training In each individual store the Green Captain can pass out In-Store Signs* explaining what containers to collect and how to identify #2 HDPE and #5 PP resins, along with Q&A Sheets* and an In-Store Associate Letter* explaining why the program is important. Samples of designated rigid plastic containers can be used to demonstrate how to empty, rinse, dry and stack by size. Bins can be set up to demonstrate how to properly nest like-sized containers. Lids are placed in separate (clear) garbage bags to keep them apart from nested containers. Allow time for plenty of questions and answers.a printed Training Guideline*, can be used to demonstrate the Action and then Do This (response) to action items in the collection of rigid plastics. Ongoing Training and Communication is Essential to Success l Ongoing communications within each department is important, especially in initial weeks, to assure optimum rinsing, collection and nesting of all containers. l Ongoing training helps assure optimum end market value, reduced risk of load downgrading, and can also help reduce store shrink (providing feedback mechanisms are in place) by training for proper scraping/rinsing containers. In Helpful Resources* you will find the following items to assist you in educating and training your associates. l Sample Letters to Associates l In-Store Signage l Associate Guidelines to Rigid Plastics Recycling l Reference Photos l Sample Associate Q & A Rigid Plastics ONLY! YES! Clean and Tightly Stacked by Number l Deli Salad Tubs l Seafood Trays l Bakery Pails Look for the number on the bottom of the container NO l Food Waste l Shrink Wrap l Plastic Bags l Returnable Bottles l Waxed Cardboard Thank you for your efforts! Recycle GRoceRy RIGID PlastIcs Recycle Grocery RIGID Plastics Divert Waste Reduce Costs Enjoy New Revenue NFRS rigid plastic containers are found throughout several departments. Training your associates to recognize their value and properly recycle them is key to your success.

3 Implementation...In-Store Collection Logistics 17 Adequately cleaning each container is the single most important store associate responsibility. This is followed by nesting all containers by like-size and placing lids/covers in separate clear utility bags. Staging melon bins in storage area for collection of nested containers, marking store number/identification on each bin and filling bins to the top, assures optimum handling efficiency by hauler and recycler/reclaimer. Implementation... In-Store Collection Logistics For in-store collection, the following steps are the most important. l Storage: Cardboard storage bins (i.e. watermelon, melon, pumpkin/squash bins) are typically made available through company supplies program. A store associate orders storage bins using a supplies order code. Bins are often stored in supplies warehouse. l Cleaning: If necessary, remove any solids using a spatula from containers or lids. Then rinse to remove any remaining food residue and air dry on sink drain board. l Lids: Place lids in separately dedicated clear utility bags. Place filled bags on top of bins filled with tightly nested/stacked containers. l Stacking: Nest/stack, emptied, rinsed, air-dried containers in cardboard storage bins (i.e. watermelon, melon, pumpkin/squash bins). l Tracking: Use store numbers and the In-Store Tracking Form* to create accountability for the recycling of clean material and organized/condensed bins. It is not necessary to remove labels from rigid plastic containers. In-Store Tracking Form for Rigid Plastic Recycling Date of shipment Qty of Bins Returned to DC/RC Sample of Printable (PDF) Tracking Form Initials 6/15/12 2 DI 8354 Put lids in clear utility bags. Place these bags on top of bins that are filled with tightly nested (stacked), upside down rigid plastics.

4 Implementation...In-Store Collection Logistics 18 Testimonial Below are a few common In-Store issues with suggested solutions From a store manager s point of view, recycling of rigid plastics is a vital new component as part of our zero waste efforts to eliminate unnecessary waste and reduce our carbon footprint. Issues 1. Properly identifying recyclable rigid plastic containers Associates don t understand program benefits Rigid plastic recycling takes more time Cardboard melon bins are not readily available Too much contamination causes extra Distribution/ Recycling Center expense... Solutions Corporate office provides criteria. Regular feedback of program benefits and store progress. Repetitive training will increase recycling efficiency, and underscore its value and savings. Keep extra on hand. Set up as a store supply item. Clearly indicate store number on bins. Repetition of process and providing feedback to associates will encourage good quality recycling. - Jon Fortier, Store Manager, Hannaford Supermarkets/ Delhaize America In-Store Rigid Plastics Collection Highlights l Cleaning containers is a minimally labor intensive task - time studies have demonstrated that the amount of time to scrape residues and quick rinse rigid plastic containers did not exceed the amount of time to dispose of them in the traditional manner. l Cardboard (melon) bins are ideal for storing rigid plastics collected for recycling and are readily available by salvaging in-house. l Training individual store associates requires about an hour initially for total team. l Regular communications are necessary to assure container cleanliness, maximum bin weights, and sorting by size and material type. l Applying a store number to each bin returned to your Distribution/Recycling Center assures individual store accountability for properly managing rigid plastics. Cleaning containers is a minimally labor intensive task.

5 Implementation...Recycling Center Logistics 19 Although baling of rigid plastics will deliver optimum efficiency and market value from end markets, until your company has achieved full roll out...shipping full truckloads of stacked bins may serve as the best first step. Understand Recycling Center Logistics At the Central Distribution/Recycling Center, the goals are to: 1. Minimize handling 3. Maximize value of materials 2. Maximize weight on trucks 4. Optimize resin quality Structuring the most efficient back hauling/recycling solution is a key element of your overall internal material recycling program. Depending on the grocery chain s business operations model to retrieve material from individual stores, there are several hauling options to consider. l Engage a 3rd party hauler l Utilize current hauler for recyclables l Backhaul on the chain s trucks from store to Distribution/Recycling Center (DC/RC) Whichever hauling arrangement is chosen, the following criteria should be considered: l Pick up only filled (not partial) watermelon bins. l Ideally, combine bin return with return of other recyclables. l Inspect bins at stores and remove all trash, prior to releasing to hauler. l Assure store number is marked on bin.. l Complete Tracking Form (See Helpful Resources for Distribution/Recycling Center Tracking Form*). Baling Centralized baling, using horizontal balers, could deliver incrementally greater market value (for plastics and other recyclables) at lower operational cost, including lower labor to load balers, smaller footprint = less space, higher value per truckload, and less transportation cost. Consider Offering a Recycling Option to Others There is opportunity for retail chains to allow other generators (small stores) to drop off their clean, stacked bins of rigid plastics. This option has the possibility of increasing your trailer loads of material to maximize efficiencies, as well as increasing your revenue stream. Below are a few common Recycling Center issues with suggested solutions Revenue is gained when clean plastics are tightly nested/stacked and separated by resin. Issues 1. Containers collected at stores have residue Rigid plastics too loosely placed in bin Trash in collection (melon) bin Non-program plastics in bin... Solutions Store Manager immediately. Send photo to Store Manager. Charge disposal cost and/or notify Store Manager/Green Captain. Record on Tracking Sheet and send to Store Manager.

6 Implementation...Recycling Center Logistics 20 Testimonial At the Recycling Center (PRC) express the importance of the increased value of rigid plastics as part of Hannaford s robust recycling program, and operational importance of receiving bins that are clean, free of trash, and well nested/made dense. - Jerry Couture, Product Recovery Center Manager, Hannaford Supermarkets/ Delhaize America Trailer loading options for watermelon bins full of rigid plastics 1. Cross docking bins direct from the store to staged trailer; 2. Staging the load in Warehouse/Recycling/Recovery Center, then live load on truck that can be delivered on-call. Most trailers can be loaded three bins high, with pallets in-between. It is recommended that clear utility bags containing lids be placed on top of stacked bins to maximize load density. Baled Rigid Plastics Bales can be loaded on a dedicated trailer or combined with other recyclables depending on agreements with end market. Please Note: Once you have prepared your trailer load and have contracted with a market for the materials, it is critically important to follow up with the market to ensure proper feedback on the condition and value of your initial load, pricing and potential opportunity for improvement. Distribution/Recycling Center Highlights l Tracking bins received from stores, by store number assures accountability. l Effective, ongoing in-store training can lead to minimized labor at the Distribution/Recycling Center. l Culling out and disposing of containers improperly cleaned, helps assure good market value. l To maximize weight on trailers with rigid plastics stacked in bins, other recyclables - wood pallets, baled film, baled OCC may also be included. l Centrally baling rigids requires extra handling/labor but can result in higher material value.

7 Implementation...Track In-Store Accountability 21 Use large store number stickers and a Store Tracking Form and the Distribution/ Recycling Center Tracking Form to create accountability for clean, organized and tightly nested bins. Track In-Store Accountability Perhaps one of the most important elements of the Program is tracking an individual store s success through store accountability. Tracking bins received from stores, by store number, assures store accountability for their cleaned and stacked rigid plastics. Using an In-Store Tracking Form*, that includes the date and number of bins returned to the recycling center, is key to affirming their commitment to the program. Store associates should initial the form to confirm what they have recycled and that the bin is filled with tightly nested, clean containers and free of trash. At the Distribution/Recycling Center, the Distribution/Recycling Center Tracking Form* includes spaces for the date, store number, # of bins returned and a column to mark the condition of the bin. This double tracking helps ensure individual store accountability. Distribution/Recycling Center Tracking Form...this form helps track rigid plastic bins received by your Distribution/Recycling Center Date Received Qty of Bins ReCEIVED AT DC/RC STORE # BIN CONDITION COMMENTS Initials (received by) 6/15/ E Good weight! DL Back Charging An individual store s accountability is key to your success. Some chains involved with recycling grocery rigid plastics, are back charging stores who have trash or unclean rigids (not free of food) in their rigid plastic bins when received by the recycling center. Market value/revenue is gained when bins are full of nested and tightly stacked rigid plastic containers and preferably separated by resin. Revenue is lost when bins are shipped with rigid plastics containers loosely packed.