SAN DIEGO—The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina has initiated one of the most comprehensive public space recycling programs in the industry utilizing T2 Site Amenities “Upscale” Recycling Bins.
“Recycling should be easy to be effective,” says John Ford, motel manager at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Plus, effective recycling reduces costs while obviously having a positive impact on the environment.”
The Sheraton has addressed recycling from two aspects. The first is behind the scenes, as in composting. The second is recycling in public spaces and guestrooms for collection of paper, cans, bottles and plastic.
Metro Receptacles Selected
Ford also determined that public space recyclers should meet Sheraton’s aesthetic and operational requirements. He therefore chose the upscale Metro recycling receptacles from T2 Site Amenities based on their look and low profile design.
The Metro recyclers were placed in the lobby, meeting spaces, entrances, pool side and cafe areas. The larger Metro recyclers were equipped with casters making them easier to move about meeting spaces.
According to Ford, at the start of 2011, the Sheraton was diverting 15 percent of its trash from the landfill. Within three weeks of establishing a recycling program with Waste Management and T2 Site Amenities, the trash diversion rate skyrocketed to 80 percent. Ford has set a lofty goal of 90 percent diversion by year end. This comprehensive recycling program has reduced Sheraton’s dumping and landfill fees while benefiting the environment.
Zero Waste Meetings Program
Ford has also established “zero waste meetings.” He encourages meeting planners to distribute product information via display monitors, e-mail and flash drives rather than brochures.
Meeting planners and guests of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina appreciate these recycling efforts. Said Ford, “Our public space recyclers visually demonstrate Sheraton’s commitment to sustainability and they make it easy for our guests to recycle.” Conservatively, Ford estimates the recycling programs will divert 200 tons of commodities annually from the waste stream.
“Increasingly, hotels recognize that providing upscale recycling bins in their public spaces helps bring in new business,” says Steve Tilkin, principal at T2 Site Amenities. “This new business, in turn, pays for the recycling bins.”
Go to T2 Site Amenities and the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.
