Sobeys Urban Fresh store in Ottawa currently only has garbage disposal and produces recyclable waste. The proposal is to set up a recycling system with the City of Ottawa by ordering bins and arranging weekly pickups. Managers and employees would be briefed on the new program and what materials go in each bin to properly dispose of recyclables. Implementing recycling would align with the company's sustainability goals and benefit the environment, though some challenges in changing employee habits and efficiency exist.

1. Sobeys Urban Fresh
193 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1P6
Store #4711
Sobeys Urban Fresh Recycling Proposal
OVERVIEW
Sobeys Urban Fresh Metcalfe has been open for 11 months. For the duration of those 11 months the only
disposal system that has been set up is garbage disposal. All forms of waste including paper, plastic, and metal
have been put into the garbage disposal. Every department at Sobeys Urban Fresh Metcalfe, including office
administration, creates waste that is recyclable.
PROPOSAL
Sobeys Urban Fresh Metcalfe should set up a recycling system that allows paper, plastic, and metal to be
recycled as part of the City of Ottawa recycling program.
IMPLEMENTATION
Doug, the manager of Sobeys Urban Fresh Metcalfe, should contact the City of Ottawa to request an order of
six black boxes and 20 blue boxes. He should arrange for weekly recycling pick-ups at the store location.
Glass, metal and plastic goes in the blue box. Paper products go in the black box. One blue and black box
should be set up in each department. Additionally, all cashes and offices should have a black box for paper
recycling.
As part of the weekly meeting, managers should be briefed on the recycling program. Managers should be given
the task of relaying that information to employees in their departments. Each department should be printed off a
list of what materials are recyclable in each colour bin.
Baggers in the front-end department should be given an additional briefing on recycling. They should be
instructed on how to dispose of materials in the blue and black bins correctly so that the City of Ottawa is able
to pick it up weekly.
BENEFITS
Part of the Eat Better, Feel Better, and Do Better brand is ensuring the well being of our company, customers,
and communities without compromising the ability of future generations to prosper on the planet that we all
share. Recycling at our stores is a way in which our actions can reflect our commitment to sustainability.
CHALLENGES
There are two identified challenges to Sobeys Urban Fresh Metcalfe implementing recycling disposal. The first
challenge is getting employees to embrace the change. Employees must understand the benefits of recycling and
how to correctly recycle to ensure that the recycling program works. The second challenge is efficiency. We are
currently working under one disposal system, allowing employees to save time by not separating their waste.
Employees now must take an extra moment to decide where to dispose their waste. Baggers will have the
biggest challenge in changing their duties to fit the new recycling system. They will be given more
responsibility in ensuring that all waste is disposed of properly under the new system.