Have you ever wondered if an item is recyclable or not, then tossed it into the recycling bin “just in case”?
If so, you’ve participated in “wishful recycling,” the practice of recycling items we hope are recyclable without being totally sure.
Individually, wishful recycling doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Isn’t it better to give the item a chance to be recycled? If it isn’t recyclable, the facility can throw it away, right?
However, when we look at the collective impact of wishful recycling, non-recyclable items add up to a significant contamination problem for recycling facilities.
Wishful recycling is a very common behavior in the U.S., where poor recycling education has left many residents confused about what can and can’t be recycled.
China has even stopped importing post-consumer recyclable plastic from foreign countries because they found it was too contaminated with non-recyclable items.
How can you avoid the problem of wishful recycling at your events?
The key to changing guest behavior is education. There are three types of education you should use to inform guests about the recycling and/or composting programs at your event:
1. Signs
Post clear, easy-to-understand signs on all of the waste bins at your event. Use both photos and words to clearly communicate what items should go in what bins. Make signs for your trash bins as well as your recycling & compost bins. Doing so will help keep guests from wishfully categorizing trash items into the recycling or compost.
2. Promotion
In your pre-event communications, such as your invitation, website, emails, or event app, let guests know about your recycling goals. When guests are aware that the event has a green initiative, they will arrive more prepared to participate.
3. Training
Train your entire event staff and volunteer force about the recycling program. Being informed will allow staff and volunteers to answer questions from guests and report any issues with the program.
By following these three steps, you’ll dramatically reduce guest confusion about recycling, leading to cleaner collection of truly recyclable materials.
As part of my recycling & composting services for events, I include custom-designed signs, promotional blurbs, and training materials to help the program go off without a hitch. Tell me about your next event and we’ll create a program that works for you.