Step 1: Assess and Identify The Host Community Communities hosting cooperatives can be suburban, urban or rural. Cooperatives can be successful in a variety of economic and geographic settings. They can be established for a single commercial district in a community, for an entire community, or for several adjoining communities. Although there is no steadfast rule for determining whether recycling cooperatives will be effective in your area, communities that have successfully implemented these projects share the following characteristics:
		An organization with time and enthusiasm to sponsor and coordinate the cooperative. A person or organization willing to spend time to promote the cooperative. Businesses clustered in a geographic area. Medium or large businesses willing to participate to “anchor” the program. Recycling service provider interested in providing service to a startup program. Businesses interested in recycling.
		Step 1: Check List If you are unsure of the interest level in your community, or if your community has several business areas, you may want to identify a single area in which to start your cooperative and plan to expand from there.
		Is there more than one “center” of commerce in your community that is interested in hosting a cooperative? Have you chosen to focus on a single commercial district or the entire community? Have you met with business groups within your community to assess their needs? Have you met with organizations that are likely to support your cooperative (environmental clubs, municipal recycling programs)?
					Tips to remember Be flexible: Your community is unique and will need to adjust the model to its special circumstances. Be organized: Start a database of everyone you talk to that is interested in participating. The database will help maintain contacts as the cooperative progresses.
		Step 2: Develop Partnerships To insure success, a cooperative should recruit as many local partners as it can. Potential partners include: municipal recycling coordinators, Chambers of Commerce (or other business membership organizations), Rotary Clubs (or other service organizations), and nonprofit recycling organizations. The level of participation of each partner can vary, but all should be committed to support the cooperative to promote business participation.