Just wondering if anyone has any case studies of successful campaigns to reduce the amount of recyclables being put in plastic bags (used shopping bags mostly) before being placed in their kerbside recycling bin in Australia?
Thanks for your help.
Jacqueline Wilson
Regional Education Officer
South Western Regional Waste Management Group
Australia
Reducing Recyclables being Placed in Plastic Bags
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During our Multi-family recycling campaign we provided a reusable "caddy" where recycling is collected inside the units and then deposited into the larger bin outside. We can't really say if it is effective to reduce the number of plastic bags you get but it's an idea. We do find that telling people what you want them to do with tools is generally more effective than telling them what not to do.
Wanda Redic
Recycling Specialist
City of Oakland
United States
www.oaklandrecycles.com
Plastic bags have been a problem for our recycling programs from the beginning, 1993. In the past, we always tried to keep our public education positive and instructive, i.e. what is included in the program, how to participate, etc. We also have given baskets to multi-family with no impact. When we converted from 18 gallon boxes to 32, 64 or 96 gallon carts we told the residents to keep the boxes to assist in getting the recyclables to the cart. No real impact to the plastic bag problem.
Just recently we developed a flyer that was mailed to all households including multi-family called "The 10 Most Unwanted." We saw something similar to this in Colorado so we decided to give it a try. We have received great comments from the public about how they liked being told what does not belong and why. Our first recycling commodity allocation study since mailing the flyer, will be this Saturday, May 15. We will see how much of an impact this has had on residents behavior.
Lynn France
Environmental Services Program Manager
City of Chula Vista
United States
www.chulavistaca.gov/clean
...
Plastic bags are a problem in our curbside program here in Raleigh, North Carolina. For years we have asked our collection crews to note this problem on a tag that can be left in the bin. This has not been effective. Next month we are beginning a transition from using 18-gallon bins to 95-gallon carts. The cart lids will be imprinted with photos of acceptable items. Our customers will also receive a magnet with identical photos plus a "No Plastic Bags" message. It's too soon to predict whether it will work, but I'd be glad to share our results in about six months.
bianca howard
Community Education Specialist
City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services
United States