Recycling on the go
Recycling on the go describes the provision of infrastructure to enable individuals to segregate materials for recycling outside of the home and workplace contexts. It primarily covers newspapers and certain items of packaging, which would otherwise be discarded in public litter bins.
Locations
Zero Waste Scotland has identified the following locations as being particularly suited to the installation of recycling on the go facilities:
- On street sites (e.g. city centres, public parks, beaches)
- Shopping centres
- Transport hubs (e.g. airports, railway stations, motorway service stations)
- Leisure attractions/venues (e.g. sporting arenas, theme parks, conference facilities)
- Hospitals (consumer facing only e.g. public restaurants)
- Educational campuses
Benefits
Specific benefits of introducing recycling on the go facilities may include:
- Meeting public, visitor and staff expectations and improving their experience;
- Enhancing existing recycling services and promoting pro-environmental behaviours;
- Reducing environmental impact and meeting corporate social/environmental targets;
- Potential to reduce litter and improve local environmental quality; and
- Achievement of environmental accreditations i.e. ISO 14001 and/or awards such as Green Tourism Business Scheme or Blue Flag status for beaches.
Issues to consider
Costs
The cost of purchasing appropriate recycling on the go bins will depend on the design, style and number of units required and therefore it is important that those looking to introduce a scheme carefully consider their requirements so as to ensure that the containers purchased are fit for purpose. The cost of servicing will again depend on the number, location and level of usage and also needs to be considered in advance. Efficiencies may be achieved by co-collection with existing litter or recycling facilities. Private facility owners or managers may wish to collaborate with neighbouring facilities to reduce servicing costs. Detailed costing models are being developed by Zero Waste Scotland and will be available in June 2012.
Public behaviour change
Every location is different but certain key steps can be followed to encourage recycling behaviour on the go:
- Locate bins in areas with the greatest footfall and best accessibility;
- Ensure that bins are easily identified from all sides;
- Provide bins for the correct types of waste generated and disposed of at that location;
- Where contamination is a problem, use different shaped bin apertures for each waste type;
- Clearly and consistently label the bins; and
- Use a wide range of communication channels to promote schemes.
Contamination
Contamination can be a key issue for recycling on the go facilities. Good communications are they key to reducing contamination, although other steps can include:
- Ensuring that there are adequate provisions for other types of waste
- Co-locating with litter bins
- Avoiding obvious obstructions preventing easy access to bins or obscuring legibility of signage
- Using specially-shaped apertures to direct people to deposit the correct items (e.g. slot apertures for newspapers, round aperture for cans/bottles or prporellor aperture for commingled dry recyclate).
Planning
Planning permission is usually required if the bins are to be permanently fixed to the ground, or are above a certain size. Locating outdoor Recycling On The Go bins in historic or conservation areas, town centres, and World Heritage Sites will also often require specific planning permission. Consultation with the local planning department, and any other key stakeholders, at an early stage, is advised.
Communication
Signage on facilities must be clear, unambiguous and consistent to ensure optimal recognition by members of the public. This will ensure the correct use of facilities, maximising collection rates and minimising contamination.
Zero Waste Scotland recommends that providers use the Recycle Now (Recycle for Scotland) branding, which is widely recognised and carried by most bin manufacturers and used for on-pack recycling labels. The iconography also meets current Disability Discrimination Act guidance. Brand guidelines can accessed by emailing partnerbranding@zerowastescotland.org.uk.
Signage should be positioned on the bins, ideally next to the aperture as well as on the main body of the bin. Supporting signage should clearly state the material types to be collected, using the correct iconography.
The introduction of new facilities can also be supported by wider communications activity targeting likely users, including PR, direct marketing, field marketing and promotions.
Participation
It is imperative that Recycling On The Go facilities are situated so as to maximise materials recovery and facilitate easy collection. A scheme is most likely to be successful where bins are well located, regularly emptied, and maintained so as to stay clean and attractive.
Further information
Zero Waste Scotland is also developing a suite of case studies of existing recycling on the go facilities in Scotland.
