Why Trash & Recycling Management Should Be Part of Your Cleaning Contract

You’re managing a facility – keeping it clean and running smoothly is key. You likely have a system for trash and recycling management. But is it truly optimized? Integrating this into your cleaning contract isn’t about fixing a problem, it’s about smart efficiency. Imagine one less thing for you and your team to manage, potentially lower costs, and a stronger commitment to sustainability, all handled by the cleaning experts.

Let’s explore how combining these services can benefit your bottom line and simplify your operations.

What Is Trash & Recycling Management?

Trash and recycling management involves more than just emptying bins—it’s the strategic, consistent handling of all waste streams within a commercial facility. This includes:

• Daily trash collection and proper disposal to avoid overflow and odor issues.

• Recycling separation and collection, ensuring materials like cardboard, paper, aluminum, and plastics are processed according to local and state regulations.

• Maintenance of dumpsters, compactors, and recycling stations, which often includes cleaning, deodorizing, and pest prevention.

• Bulk item and seasonal waste pickup, particularly useful during office moves, tenant turnover, or large events.

• Documentation and reporting for compliance with green building standards like LEED or local mandates.

  
  

By incorporating waste services into your janitorial scope, you reduce the chances of lapses, missed pickups, or poor sorting that can lead to fines or service disruptions.

The Hidden Costs of Poor Waste Management

Let’s face it—when trash isn’t handled well, everyone notices. But the ripple effects go deeper than unpleasant smells or unsightly bins.

• Increased pest activity: Poorly managed trash—especially in breakrooms and kitchens—attracts rodents, cockroaches, and flies, which can lead to infestations and expensive extermination efforts.

• Employee dissatisfaction: A messy or overflowing bin can diminish workplace morale. According to a 2023 Leesman Index study, cleanliness directly influences employee satisfaction in office environments.

• Safety hazards: Trash bins in the wrong place or left unattended can block emergency exits, pose tripping risks, and violate OSHA standards.

• Operational inefficiencies: If cleaning staff can’t dispose of trash efficiently, it slows down their ability to complete other high-priority tasks.

• Reputation damage: Visitors and clients notice when things are out of place—especially in lobbies, restrooms, or conference areas.

  
  

According to a 2022 study by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), buildings with integrated waste programs reported 25% fewer tenant complaints and 30% lower waste removal costs due to streamlined service agreements.

Why It Belongs in Your Cleaning Contract

1. Better Coordination & Accountability

When your janitorial team is responsible for waste removal, you eliminate confusion between departments and vendors. A single point of contact allows for more direct communication, clear performance metrics, and faster issue resolution.

2. Improved Sanitation

Trash that sits too long increases bacterial growth and odors. Integrating trash management ensures bins are emptied regularly—especially in restrooms, breakrooms, and medical spaces—reducing contamination risk.

3. Increased Efficiency

Combining cleaning and waste services reduces the number of vendors, invoices, and schedules you need to manage. This frees up administrative time and gives your operations team more bandwidth to focus on strategic facility goals.

4. Stronger Sustainability Outcomes

A single vendor handling both cleaning and recycling can standardize procedures and boost education around proper sorting. Recycling compliance improves dramatically when cleaning teams are trained to identify and correct contamination on the spot. According to the EPA, commercial buildings contribute nearly half of all municipal solid waste—but only a fraction is properly recycled. Integrating these services helps shift that number in the right direction.

Real-World Example

We worked with a property management company overseeing a mid-size office park in the Northshore (MA). Initially, their janitorial vendor handled only basic trash removal. Recycling was outsourced to a hauler that visited twice per week, regardless of need.

This setup led to numerous problems:

• Overflowing bins by Monday morning

• Cross-contaminated recyclables causing entire loads to be rejected

• Tenants leaving waste in unauthorized areas due to lack of access or signage

  
  

After evaluating their space, we integrated trash and recycling into Jan-Ex’s nightly cleaning duties. We created a tailored schedule aligned with building usage, trained staff on recycling protocols, and even added bin labels to reduce confusion.

The result?

• 80% fewer complaints in the first quarter

• Improved recycling accuracy and recognition by the city’s green building program

• Lower waste hauling fees due to fewer rejected loads and excess pickups

  
  

What to Include in Your Trash & Recycling Plan

To set your facility up for success, make sure your janitorial contract includes:

• Daily waste collection and liner replacement from all workstations, kitchens, and restrooms.

• Scheduled recycling collection with clear separation protocols.

• Training for janitorial staff on identifying recyclable materials and avoiding contamination.

• Clear bin labeling and signage in tenant-facing areas.

• Cleaning and deodorizing protocols for dumpsters, trash rooms, and recycling stations.

• Contingency plans for events, renovations, or seasonal cleanouts.

  
  

Pro Tip: Track your waste output and recycling rates over time. This data can help justify service changes, support sustainability reporting, and demonstrate compliance during audits.

Schedule a Free Walkthrough with Jan-Ex

If you’re still managing waste separately from your janitorial team, it’s time to rethink the strategy. Jan-Ex offers comprehensive commercial cleaning services—including trash and recycling management—all bundled into one seamless contract.

We’ll assess your current operations, identify areas for improvement, and build a plan that supports hygiene, sustainability, and efficiency. Schedule a free walkthrough today or email cstanza@jan-ex.com for immediate commercial cleaning assistance.

Works Cited:

1. BOMA International. (2022). Building Operations & Performance Study. https://www.boma.org

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling

3. OSHA. (2022). Waste Management Guidelines for Commercial Buildings. https://www.osha.gov/waste

4. Leesman Index. (2023). The Workplace Experience Revolution. https://www.leesmanindex.com