SWACO rolls out new commercial recycling and food waste programming

SWACO, or the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, which serves Franklin County and neighboring areas with solutions for solid waste, is unveiling a new version of its Business Recycling Champion program, which provides free education and recycling containers and reimburses local businesses for the costs of starting up or improving their existing waste diversion programs.

The agency will debut the program at a special screening of the movie, “Beyond Zero,” in conjunction with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, which focuses on the efforts of a billion-dollar business to reduce its environmental impact. 

Image courtesy of SWACO

Seventy-six percent of the 1.2 million tons of waste that come into the landfill daily could have been recycled or composted, SWACO says, and food waste is the largest category, with nearly 1 million pounds of wasted food thrown away in Franklin County every day. The new Business Recycling Champion Program has been revamped to make it easier for businesses to participate and now includes a Food Waste Champion component that encourages and reimburses businesses for diverting food scraps.

To participate, companies must participate in an audit of their existing waste services, fill out a plan for launching the program and commit to one year of participation. In exchange, they receive up to $10,000 for recycling and or composting collection containers, customizable signage, in-person or online education and reimbursement for the first six months of service up to $2,500. 

“One of our core missions at SWACO is to reduce the amount of material that is coming into the landfill,” SWACO Executive Director Joe Lombardi says. “It helps to preserve resources and also prolongs the useful life of the landfill. We know that many businesses and entrepreneurs would like to be recycling and composting more, but we also understand the hurdles they face and the time it can take away from running their businesses. That’s why we’re excited to have made it easier for Franklin County businesses to access SWACO expertise and funding to start up or improve their recycling or composting programs.”

The new programming has its first big success, SWACO says. One of the most recognizable names in central Ohio, Worthington Enterprises, will be the first Business Recycling Champion under the revamped program. Businesses can participate in either or both of the Business Recycling Champion and Food Waste Champion programs, and Worthington Enterprises will do both. 

“We believe that taking these relatively small steps today can lead to big impacts tomorrow for our company, our community and the world at large,” says Sonya Higginbotham, senior vice president and chief of corporate affairs, Communications and Sustainability, for Worthington Enterprises, based in Columbus, Ohio. “We are grateful for SWACO’s collaboration throughout this process as well as our employees who are leading the way with their actions to a more sustainable future.”

“Sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for business,” adds Christine Boucher, director of the Columbus Region Logistics Council at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “SWACO’s Business Recycling Champion program makes it easier for companies to launch practical, cost-effective recycling initiatives. It’s a smart investment in our Columbus region’s future and a meaningful step toward a more circular economy for Franklin County.”

All businesses in Franklin County are eligible to participate and can learn more about becoming a Recycling or Food Waste Champion at SWACO's Business Champion Programs page.