Here in Calgary (Alberta, Canada) residences have 3 carts that they place their waste into: a blue cart for recyclables, a green cart for organics (kitchen and yard) and a black cart for everything else. This summer I have a team going around looking for contamination in the carts (i.e. organics in the blue cart rather than the green, recyclables in the black cart and so on). When we find a problem we are going to tag the cart. However, we are particularly interested in folks who are not fully utilizing their green cart. For these folks we are not only going to tag their cart but we are going to follow up (within a week) with a knock on their door. When we knock on their door we want to find out what particular barriers they are facing to fully utilize their green cart.
My question is: When we knock on their door do we start off the conversation by very clearly pointing out that their cart was tagged and that we are interested in discussing why they are having difficulties participating OR do we not directly address the fact that their cart was tagged and simply ask more general questions about what they feel are barriers to participation?
Dave Merredew
Leader, Community & Customer Initiatives
City of Calgary: Waste and Recycling Services
Canada
Hello Dave,
I agree with Karen, that you don't want to mention the tag or working for the City. Treat people the way they want to be treated; don't refer to their mistakes or weaknesses since that would put them on the defensive.
A quick and a sweet message is an easy sale. Start a conversation that would gain the resident's interest as well as trust. "Many residents that we have spoken to recently have diverted over 50% of their trash to their recycling and compost stream carts be following some small and easy steps. Would you mind if we shared these steps with you?" Ruben Anderson speaks about social media being a big motivator regarding sustainable behaviors and change so consider using this venue too. Check out http://vimeo.com/26943709
Consider what time of day you will visit residents (weekday v/s weekend)and consider how early in the day you knock on doors. Weekends I sleep in. I would be upset if someone woke me up even if I love recycling and composting...
Have a very informative (easy to read quickly) that you can leave with busy residents (a magnet is very good). Also leave them some volunteer contact information (and website) that they can contact you later or look at later when they have time.
Baby steps matter most! Don't be discourage and try to stay positive through all your conversations even when you meet an angry individual. Good luck!
Best,
Lisa Perschke
Lisa Perschke
Recycle Program Specialist
Recycle Ann Arbor
United States
www.recycleannarbor.org