Hi all, How can we reduce contamination in community compost bins? The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) sought to tackle this question in its latest webinar on the topic. Justin Senkbeil, CEO of CompostNow, offered the following tips: - Use an opt-in model: Consider having people choose to participate in the program instead of a blanket program for everyone. In this way, participants are actively engaged and already have a desire to compost organics. When your target audience is a group of people invested in the program, contamination rates may be lower. Of course, make the opt-in process as easy and convenient as possible to keep participation rates high. - Include signage: Ensure that clear and consistent signage (regarding what can and cannot go in the bin) is available to participants as they initially sign up for the program, once they’ve signed up, and at the point of toss. This signage could be in the form of stickers, refrigerator magnets, or in some cases, larger how-to guides. Encouraging and supporting participants with these materials is important. Be sure to provide contact details so that participants can text, email, or call with their questions. - Have distinct containers and lids: Make sure that the color and shape of the compost bins are distinct from both trash and recycling bins. When these bins look too similar, people get confused and throw their waste in the wrong bin. Additionally, having a lid for the compost bin as an extra step will help people to think before they toss plastics or other waste in with the compost. - Provide feedback: Track where the material is coming from and if there is contamination in it so that you can provide feedback to the customer, ideally with photos and amounts. Icons like happy and sad faces that indicate approval or disapproval could also be impactful. - Charge contamination fees: Charging a fee when customers contaminate the bins will get their attention and motivate them to sort properly. CompostNow charges $25US per contaminated container (commercial). They also do waste audits so if contamination reaches a certain threshold, the entire container is rejected. - Be strict about compostable product compliance: There is plenty of greenwashing out there, with businesses selling packaging that is said to be compostable when it isn’t. Take a proactive stance and help customers manage package sourcing to ensure it’s certified compostable. To learn more about CompostNow, click here. To learn more about ILSR, click here.
