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They’ve held recycling programs before, but Allen’s Advanced Optical Components (AOC) hopes that its next program goes beyond being “just a program” and changes the outlook of other businesses on being environmentally sound.
AOC, a division of Finisar Corporation, implemented its latest recycling program in May. Recycling Team Quantity Manager Larry Olchak said a recycling program of “this magnitude,” is a first for AOC.
“We’ve done cardboard recycling. We’ve done printed paper recycling, but now we’ve gone to a greater extent,” he said.
Olchak said the initial cycling of the program was done by Kerry Craven, AOC controller.
Craven said the inspiration to start a recycling program stemmed from her involvement with Keep Allen Beautiful.
“I asked the city [Allen] for help in starting a program. They gave us contact information for local recycling activities and provided education to our employees,” Craven said. “From there, we bought containers for plastic, aluminum, steel, paper and cardboard.”
Craven said the program was kicked on May 20 at a company picnic.
After giving the employees an overview of training, the containers were placed in several areas including offices, cubicles, break areas and the cafeteria. In addition, batteries, computer equipment and light bulbs are also being collected to be “properly disposed.” Toner Cartridges are returned to the vendor and ink jet cartridges are returned to the manufacturer.
Members of the AOC Recycling Team frequently work with Keep Allen Beautiful and the City of Allen for promoting the program.
Olchak said AOC has pretty much covered every aspect of “going green.”
“We don’t even use Styrofoam cups anymore. We were all given travel mugs,” he said.
Olchak said the company also has “Go Green” bulletins which informs employees of the program’s guidelines and upcoming “green” events that go hand in hand with the ideas behind the program.
“There’s a lot of height and awareness everywhere,” Olchak said.
The AOC Recycling Team has several goals set for the program with one of the more significant ones being cutting costs.
Waste Services Manager Donna Kliewer said, “Finisar has been one of the very few large businesses … involved with Keep Allen Beautiful. Anytime you’ve got a big business doing something like this, it helps our municipal waste stream. It cuts our costs.”
Olchak elaborated by saying the program will save money by reducing the need for emptying AOC’s trash compacter and bring in money by the return AOC gets from recycling companies.
Kliewer said she hopes the success of the program allows AOC to lead by example.
“Usually, when one business starts something like this, others follow. I hope that’s the case with this program,” she said.
Kliewer thinks the program will help local residents realize their underestimation of recycling. “People have a misconception about it,” she said. “They don’t understand the environmental impact they can have at home and work by recycling.”
