Recycling Efforts
Ocean State Job Lot prioritizes the importance of recycling and reusing our materials within our stores, warehouse and corporate offices. Through encouraging our customers and partners to participate in our recycling efforts, we have proudly been able to be labeled as a Net Zero Waste company.
bales of cardboard were recycled over the past year, which is equivalent to the height of 40 Empire State Buildings.
We highly encourage our customers and community members to participate in our recycling objectives. Currently, we are in the process of offering plastic bag recycling in our stores to offer convenience for our customers.
bales of plastic were recycled in the past year, which is equivalent to the height of nearly 4 Eiffel Towers.
Stats and Figures
Over the past year at Ocean State Job Lot:
Paper
bales of paper were recycled, which is equivalent to the height of a four-story building.
Cardboard
bales of cardboard were recycled.
CFL Light Bulbs
CFL light bulbs were recycled.
LED Lighting
Ocean State Job Lot stores were converted to LED lighting.
Pallets
pallets were recycled, which is the equivalent of 20 times the distance to the deepest part of the ocean.
Scrap Metal
pounds of scrap metal were recycled.
Plastic
bales of plastic were recycled.
All stats and figures are from 2023
Going Green, One Gadget at a Time
By implementing an electronic waste recycling program, Ocean State Job Lot is playing a vital role in protecting the environment. And Ocean State Job Lot’s IT team is going the extra mile to recycle the company’s returned electronics, carefully evaluating every item to determine its fate.
If an item still has life left in it, it gets a second chance. Once refurbished and ready to roll, these electronics find new uses at the corporate office, in the distribution center, and at stores, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for the production and purchase of new devices. But what about the electronics that don’t make the cut? Instead of ending up in landfills, outdated electronics or those beyond repair – from laptops and tablets to desktop PCs and cell phones – are recycled.
Through an efficient partnership with our trusted electronic waste vendor, Ocean State Job Lot ensures proper recycling of eligible electronics. This process not only diverts hazardous materials from contaminating our soil and water but also recovers valuable resources from the electronics for reuse, reducing the need for virgin material extraction.
And in true frugal fashion, this responsible effort comes at no cost to Ocean State Job Lot, other than the time it takes for our IT team to evaluate, organize, and palletize the e-waste for our vendor. A big thank you to (pictured left to right) Brian Blank, IT Systems Administrator; Dan Bigbee, Senior IT Infrastructure Manager; and Brandon Walason, IT Systems Technician, for your commitment to sustainable e-waste practices here at Ocean State Job Lot!
Reusable Bag Initiative
In an effort to limit the use of plastic and paper bags, and their effects on the environment, Ocean State Job Lot is offering and promoting the use of our reusable bags. The bags, which you can purchase in any of our store locations for only $0.99, are laminated for durability. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bags go to charity to assist children, families, and veterans in need throughout the Northeast. They come in many different designs, which may vary by store. Customers can also use any reusable bag of their choice.
Here’s a couple of handy tips so you won’t forget your reusable bags the next time you go out:
- After unpacking your store items, place your reusable bags near the door so you’ll see them the next time you leave home.
- Put your reusable bags in the backseat or trunk of your car so they’re always with you no matter where you go.
- Remind yourself when getting out of the car that you have reusable bags. Try putting them in the front seat, or if you have someone with you shopping, give them the fun task of making sure the bags come with you into the store. Avoid the long walk back to your vehicle with that useful reminder.
Recycle Beyond the Bag
Ocean State Job Lot is teaming with Trex to recycle your household plastic bags and wrap into Earth-friendly composite decking and railing. You can help by bringing your plastic household bags and wrap into our stores and put them in our bins.
Plastics must be clean, dry, and free of food and organic residue. For more information, you can click on the links below.