How Color & Imagery Can Boost Your Recycling Efforts

A key component to starting up an effective recycling program is to connect the recycling effort to the people who are going to participate in the program in a way to which they can relate to. For example, if you are starting a recycling program for your business, using the business logo on the recycling receptacles can help employees feel a connection to recycling to help their company. For a university or college, the school colors and/or mascot can contribute to elicit a sense of pride in helping keep their campus community an eco-friendly environment.

Using the KISS Method:

The idea of getting people to help with a recycling effort is to make it simple. Some of the following tips may help:

  • Keep the receptacles where people can easily access them (if people have to go out of their way they aren’t going to bother).
  • Make the receptacles accessible to everyone (consider those that may have to use walkers, canes, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices as well).
  • Label every receptacle so people know what they are throwing into the receptacle (if people don’t know they may not use it).
  • Empty the bins regularly, so they do not wind up overflowing and creating another mess on campus.

Draw Attention to the Bins:

Whether you use a chalkboard with a drawing on it or a poster or sign, draw attention with color and style to your recycling so that everyone knows that the bins are now available. If people don’t see them sitting in the corner or out of the way they may not even know they are there to use them. Any way to get people to notice the receptacles and encourage their use will work!

Provide Consistency:

It is highly recommended you make your receptacles for recycling consistent and uniform across the board. For example, use colors for recycling such as blue labels/bin color for plastic recycling and green labels/bin color for food waste products. Also, use posters on your receptacles to illustrate common waste and recyclable items at your facility; ensuring that people know what recycling goes in what receptacle. Keep it simple so people can utilize the system put in place!