Requirement: By April 24, 2007, establish a Waste Diversion (Recycling) Goal, per "Instructions for Implementing EO 13423". Minimum goal is 35% by 12/31/2010

USDA Waste Diversion Goal: 40% recycling rate by December 31, 2010

Baseline: 21% recycling rate in FY 2005

Discussion: In Fiscal Year 2005 eight buildings with a population of 15,900 (15% of the Department employees) recycled 433 tons and produced 1660 tons of waste, resulting in a 21% recycling rate. Six of the buildings were in the National Capital Region and two were from Kansas City.

Strategies for Achieving the Goal: The Headquarters Complex improved to a 27% recycling rate in FY06, and the overall rate of the eight buildings improved to 25%. The improvement was a result of re-training the janitorial staff to properly separate recyclables from the waste. Further measures USDA plans to implement to continue progressing toward our goal include:

• Increase cardboard recycling. This fiscal year a baler is being installed at Headquarters, which should increase the overall rate by 5% to 10%. Balers are the most efficient way to recycle cardboard. In facilities without balers, cardboard will be recycled using carts, and pallets.
• Procure new and additional recycling containers. Not only has this shown to increase employee participation, but it is also a use of recycling revenue that the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive recommends (USDA received $49,000 in revenue from GSA in FY06).
• Increase awareness of recycling. OPPM will work with facility managers and OO staff to promote recycling in USDA-occupied space using e-mailings, web tools, events, and signage.
• Toner cartridge/ink-jet recycling. USDA will expand the recycling of these items beyond Headquarters. GSA recently added used printer cartridges to the recycling contracts, which USDA uses in the Washington, DC area.

Internal USDA Goal: Increase the waste stream data captured from 15% to 30% of the USDA population. OPPM plans to add new facilities from across the country to the original list starting this fiscal year, so that over 31,000 employees are represented in the data by FY 2011.

Flagship Facility: The Headquarters Complex will serve as the model facility for USDA because, obviously, it is the seat of Departmental leadership. Moreover, the Complex is the largest USDA facility and, as such, drives the Department-wide recycling rate.