Waste: Asking the Questions

Last week whilst talking with someone about helping to implement sustainability, the subject of recycling came up. This venue has an enormous sign (seriously, it’s big) pointing to the recycling station plus there’s more detailed information by the bins themselves. Many of the people using and accessing the building are students and young people, a group generally considered to be fairly aware of recycling and environmental issues.

However, staff are consistently finding that waste is being placed either in the wrong bin for recycling (risking contamination) or into the general waste destined for landfill. So what is it that prevents people from taking that final step? Well, it could be a number of reasons.

Are the bins a different colour scheme to those used for household recycling collections? Here in Manchester it’s blue for card and paper, brown for glass, foil and plastic bottles. It’s funny how easily a brain can get conditioned into associating colours with things (just look at brands and advertising for proof of that). Is there enough information? Or is there too much information? In a hurry is it easy to work out what each bin is for? Are there clear images for those who don’t have English as a first language (or for children and those with learning difficulties or sight problems)?

The questions could go on. The important thing is to be asking questions. You could send an electronic survey round to users or departments and most people might even respond (especially if there is a competition). But you could also get creative! Why not contact a local school and get the pupils to do the work for you? A child with a clipboard and some questions by some bins is much less intimidating and engaging than an adult (plus they’ll often ask the questions adults either don’t think of or don’t dare to). You will also be engaging with the community and helping to raise awareness amongst the younger generations. Win-Win.