Office Depot keeps tabs on recycled products

Waste Prevention and Recycling Internal Culture

Office Depot’s Green Analysis is helping Johnson C. Smith University keep track of ordered items that have a recycling component. The company’s analysis for 2011 identified the percentage of recycled materials contained in a host of products purchased – from paper and ink toner to desk supplies and furniture.

The results revealed that of the $120,000 in products purchased last year, the university spent $19,211 or 16% on items made of 10% or greater recycled content. The following list gives an idea of the types of products on the market and percent of recycled content:

  • Recycled hot cups (24%)
  • Avery name badges (100%)
  • Corrugated cartons (55%)
  • Scotch tape (65%)
  • Padded mailing envelopes (100%)