Bin talk: What bins say about recycling realities
Read on to find out, how audiences react to bin set-ups and what it means for waste and recycling outcomes. This is helpful if you run events and want to improve your waste management systems and recycling rates.
Black bags and open bins with no separation
All this waste is going to waste-to-energy. Whilst waste-to-energy is not landfill, it does not allow for materials to be recycled (except aluminium), regardless of what the waste management company say- and lots like to suggest waste-to-energy is recycling.
Different coloured bags and labelling on the front of bins
Whilst these bins have two different coloured bags and signs on the base, the reality is that people will either:
The recycling stream will be contaminated with non-recyclables and food, which means it may just be sent for waste-to-energy if the bags are deemed heavily contaminated. |
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Bins in different locations
Separate bins with toppers that reduce visibility
Bin toppers from Zero Waste Events who can achieve 70% +. If you would like a quote to hire the toppers or for the management of waste and recycling at your event: https://www.zwevents.org.uk/our-services
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These bin sets include separate streams for cans and plastic, glass, food and general waste.
They have visual images, for people who quickly glance and reduced access so people can’t just chuck in the bin or look in to make a decision.
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What about the garbage?
Does an audience understand when they are drunk, or deep in conversation whilst networking or rushing to the next seminar, what they should be putting in the bin?
Ideally, if the event knows what materials should go in general waste and they are in control of their waste, the general waste bins should be prescriptive too.
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