Increasing Recycling in Multi Family--Comments on Perceived Capacity

Hi there,

We are using CBSM in Metro Vancouver in two pilot projects to increase recycling in multifamily buildings.

We would like to ask for opinions and experiences on the importance of perceived capacity in the recycling bins.

In our initial surveys and focus groups, residents consistently said the recycling totes were overflowing and so recycling was often thrown in the garbage. After a while, some of them just gave up on recycling.

When we started this project we upgraded the infrastructure, replacing totes that had been broken or stolen. At both sites that meant a total increase in totes of about 50%.

Now, at Site A the totes average 80-85% full. This means a few totes are empty and many totes are still overflowing. At Site B the totes are averaging 65-70% full, and are very rarely full or overflowing. And yet residents at Site B still report the totes are overflowing.

We would like to introduce a CBSM intervention, likely a feedback system. But will our feedback system be worthwhile if the residents at Site B still perceive the system to be running at capacity with no more room for recyclables? To break through the misperceptions we are considering adding something like a cardboard dumpster and then making a big announcement about NEW! increased capacity.

So1) does anybody have experience dealing with an over-capacity system? 2) How do people feel about ignoring the incorrect but perceived barrier of overflowing totes at Site B and trying feedback, or is the perceived barrier the first barrier that must be overcome?

Cheers,

Ruben.

Ruben Anderson
Communications Specialist
Metro Vancouver
Canada