USPS improves recycling programme

More than 200,000 tons, and counting. That’s how much paper, plastics and other waste the USPS recycled in 2009, representing a decrease in its greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 1.67m barrels of oil. An integral part of that undertaking is the Post Office Box Lobby Recycling program which is expanding to include an additional 2,435 Post Offices, including those in a number of U.S. national parks. That brings the total number of participating sites to more than 8,064, an increase of 150% from 2005, when the Post Office Lobby recycling effort started. This program is based on the success of similar mail recycling programs in the northeastern part of the United States, which began more than 10 years ago.

Postal customers are being encouraged to “read, respond, recycle” their P.O. Box mail in Post Office lobbies as a convenient and environmentally responsible alternative to taking it home to discard.

“Lobby recycling helps divert paper waste from landfills, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste disposal,” said Deborah Giannoni-Jackson, vice president, Employee Resource Management. “In 2009, the Postal Service sold raw materials from recyclables, diverting them from landfills, making us greener and producing a positive impact on our bottom line.”