Business Spotlight

Coler and Colantonio, Inc Nominated for Business Recycling Award by MassRecycle

Long before it was popular or trendy Coler and Colantonio, Inc., an engineering firm, exemplified good stewardship with their waste management practices.  Instead of taking the easy way out Coler and Colantonio, Inc. has consistently handled their disposal needs in a manner that reflects the highest regard for environmental issues.

Coler and Colantonio, Inc. have participated in office recycling programs since 1991.  They have a comprehensive recycling program that includes mix paper, co-mingle and cardboard.  Rather than limit themselves to a white paper recycling program Coler and Colantonio, Inc. insured that their recycling company would accept a mix paper.  Their mix paper collection includes envelopes, manila file folders, books, telephone books and more.

Affirming Coler and Colantonio’s commitment to an all encompassing recycling program is the fact that they provide their employees with the ability to recycle glass, plastic and metal containers with a co-mingle recycling collection. Co-mingle recycling has recently begun to make inroads to the office environment but it has been standard operating procedure at Coler and Colantonio, Inc. for over five years. 

Rounding out Coler and Colantonio’s stewardship of their waste management program is cardboard recycling.  Using the MassDEP conversion chart Coler and Colantonio, Inc. is recycling over 1.5 ton per month.  Their container has never been contaminated and is consistently full.

Coler and Colantonio’s fluorescent bulbs are never randomly disposed of in the trash but are consistently handled in a manner that preserves them for recycling.  Bulbs are packed to insure against breakage and they have requested documentation to ensure that the bulbs are transported to a certified recycler.  Additionally they recycle their computer hardware, CRT units and ink cartridges.

Coler and Colantonio, Inc. has “closed the loop” by ensuring the purchase of recycled content items.  All paper goods, from copy paper to toilet paper and paper towels, are made with recycled content.  Their coffee is certified organic, free trade and bird friendly.  When catering services are needed it is made clear to the providers that Styrofoam is unacceptable and food must be in recyclable containers and minimally packaged.

Coler and Colantonio, Inc. exemplify best practices in their waste disposal and purchasing decisions that can serve as an example for other businesses.  They do it quietly and efficiently not for accolades but because it is the right thing to do.  For these reasons, Coler and Colantonio, Inc. was nominated for the 2006 MassRecycle’s Annual Awards for Business Recycling.

Coler and Colantonio, Inc. has also recently begun purchasing office furniture that has been recycled and can be recycled when no long usable.  In addition all paints, carpets and countertops are sustainable products.