Hi,
I'm interested in any behaviour change approaches around reducing contamination in recycling bins. In New Zealand the most common approach is a three strike system of stickering the bins which have been contaminated signally the problem with the bin eventually removed if the contamination does not reduce. But would be interested to hear of what other approaches have been tried successfully.
cheers
Jenny Marshall
Sector Group Coordinator
WasteMINZ
New Zealand
Reducing Contamination in Recycling bins
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Thanks for the tip Toni!
I've included a one table summary of their findings at http://www.toolsofchange.com/en/case-studies/detail/687
Jay Kassirer
Cullbridge Marketing, and Tools of Change
Canada
www.cullbridge.com
The goal of seeing more material recycled is a real money saver as our populations grow and scales of urban development intensify. How much is it saving? Having this information out there might promote greater value and alignment of interests. We need greater invitation for collaborative action to reduce waste and contribute positively to the value of a cleaner living space.
We have to recycle, and encourage reuse, or the mountains of consumer fallout will simply grow and never be climbed. There will be a day when there is no more room for waste. Should ensuring this doesnt happen be the primary driver for seeing opportunities to change technology, to modernise our recycling and reuse of valuable materials grow. Or should we just see the common sense of more efficient use of all our resources? How far apart are the connections for stronger alignment of recycling activity? Is the value of reused material strong enough to drag more in?
At a community level, interest in seeing products reused is out there and happening, via Vinnies, the Salvos and a few others. Very positive about the volumes of older domestic products given for reuse. It does encourage a different consumer pattern than that being sold by our marketers. At the same time, much is also dumped that is not re-usable. Is there too much in the world today? Has marketing outdone itself in growing a culture that is not sustainable? This instead of relying on historic manufacturing and community consumption patterns that congest every clean up method we have, perhaps we do need to consume less.
Gary Goland
Australia
Here be the elephant: "At the same time, much is also dumped that is not re-usable. Is there too much in the world today? Has marketing outdone itself in growing a culture that is not sustainable? This instead of relying on historic manufacturing and community consumption patterns that congest every clean up method we have, perhaps we do need to consume less."
The mantra has always been REDUCE, reuse (Vinnies/Salvos) and recycle (some insert a refuse after reduce). While on one level the recycling industry doesn't address the production-consumption system, it has a valuable role in reducing resource use and minimising waste streams.
I'm not sure what a social marketing approach to reducing production consumption would look like!
Peter Tait
Australia
Hi Jenny,
Bankstown City Council, NSW Australia, ran an amazing program a few years ago titled 'Recycle Right'. The link is below: http://www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx?NID=1004
They tried a variety of strategies which they have illustrated through a video you can find at the above link.
Good luck.
Toni Lee
Waste Education Officer
Gold Coast City Council
Australia