Program Administration The Suncoast District of the U.S. Postal Service has ten central collection facilities that receive recyclable paper products from 360 post offices. In addition to using the mail trucks to collect undeliverable mail, Suncoast provides paper recycling containers in each district post office box lobby, allowing customers to deposit unwanted mail. Further, phone book collection and Bring UR Recyclable Paper pilots are providing the basis for future program expansions.

ResultsSuncoast recycles more material and generates more revenue from the recycling program than any of the other 73 districts nationwide. Revenue from the sale of recovered paper in 2010 was nearly $700,000 Even though it has only been in place for a few years, the paper recovery program at Suncoast has thrived due to its cost-effectiveness, tremendous customer and employee participation, and environmental benefits.

PartnershipsA Bring UR Recyclable Paper program provides drop-off paper recycling for materials brought from home by employees and residents. This popular option is responsible for nearly 100 tons of paper and paper-based packaging per month. Pilot programs are also in place to increase recovery of paper from apartment complexes and to test phone book collection centers. Suncoast’s “Bring UR Recyclable Paper” program has been popular with employees and customers, encouraging them to bring in recyclable paper from home.

Cost Effectiveness Revenue is generated from the sale of recovered paper, while costs are avoided by reducing landfill fees. In addition, mail trucks are being better utilized by collecting recovered materials in the afternoons, following morning delivery routes. Filling these trucks with recyclable paper and paper-based packaging rather than sending them to the central collection sites empty has increased efficiencies without increasing staffing.The recycling program is built around the existing transportation infrastructure, maximizing resources and revenue.