Recycling and Waste Minimization Case Studies - Houston ...

Section 3
Regardless of the method the city chooses for containment and set-out of recyclables,
the Project Team would recommend recyclables not contained in a proper cityapproved
bag or container not be collected by the city’s collection crews. Nonconforming
set-outs should be left at the curb with an educational tag stating the
reason for non-collection and provide information regarding where the resident can
find out more about the proper set-out of recyclables.
The Project Team would also recommend updating the city’s ordinances to include
language specifically stating their recycling collection practices.
3.3.1.2 Invest in Public Education to Reduce Contamination
While the city’s curbside recycling program has been in operation for nearly 10 years,
and many city residents are familiar the program, there is still a need to continually
educate both new and existing residents about the curbside recycling program. In order
to keep participation and volumes high and contamination low, it is important to
continually educate residents on the materials collected and specific set-out
requirements, and to provide the community with regular feedback on the
accomplishments of the program. These measures will keep recycling in the forefront
of resident’s minds and keep them motivated to participate often and properly.
Initially, the Project Team would recommend developing an educational door tag for
placement at households that set-out non-conforming materials. The tag would be used
in situations where there is either obvious contamination of the recyclables or where
recyclables have been set-out in an unapproved manner.
In addition, the Project Team would recommend that the city consider allocating
additional funding for the purpose of curbside recycling education and outreach. It is
important that adequate funding is budgeted for this purpose on an on-going basis,
particularly since the city’s curbside program generates the largest share of the total
recyclables recovered by the city.
Industry benchmarks for recycling public education generally range from $1.00-$2.00
per household per year. By these standards, the city should allocate $8,000-$16,000
annually to effectively fund recycling public education and outreach targeted at its
approximately 8,000 single family residences that have access to the curbside
recycling program.
The Project Team would recommend that the city use these funds to communicate two
key messages consistently and effectively:
• The importance of recycling; and
• Opportunities and rules for participation in available recycling programs.
These messages can be communicated through a wide variety various public education
tools. Based on the Project Team’s industry experience, recycling coordinators
generally report the greatest satisfaction with the following educational tools:
3-12 R. W. Beck 2/29/08