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The Wisconsin Be SMART Coalition uses the topics below to create work plans to coordinate new recycling programs. These approaches reflect the Coalition’s experience with public settings that are used by many one-time visitors, such as festivals.

• Identify all who will play a role – hauler, service staff, vendors, site users
• Use written agreements to communicate expectations – address recycling in specifications, contracts, job descriptions, employee handbooks, rental agreements and the like. Note times when contracts will be up for renewal.
• Consider seeking co-sponsors for the recycling effort. If acknowledgement of sponsors on recycling bins is acceptable, businesses may want the visibility associated with a positive effort and may contribute funds to ease start-up costs.

• Identify the recyclable containers that vendors dispense and find out where they are discarded. Check purchasing records.
• Find out what else is discarded and where. Look in the trash.
• Use floor plans or maps to consider visitor traffic patterns and relate them to trash discarding habits and recycling set-up plans.
• Identify opportunities to REDUCE waste at the source.
• Plan to collect commingled recyclable containers (all cans and bottles in one bin). Collect commingled paper in another container and trash in a third kind. Cardboard is usually generated in specific areas and can be taken directly to outdoor containers.
• Use observations of the waste stream and the existing number of trash receptacles to determine the number of recycling receptacles needed.
• Identify ways to reduce waste at the source.

• Recycling bins should be easy to spot and different-looking from trash receptacles.
• Look for features that prevent contamination, like round openings for containers or slots for paper and coverings that discourage people from placing trash inside.
• Make sure the containers can be emptied easily and have features for smooth operations for the crew or staff.
• Consider features that discourage misuse such as theft or standing on bins. Consider your crowd’s typical behavior and give priority to safety.
• Weigh the costs. Durability helps control future costs.
• ALWAYS place a trash receptacle next to a recycling bin. A recycling bin away from a trash container will receive trash contamination.
• Anticipate some wear and tear, as with all fixtures and equipment.
• Consider space constraints and cost when choosing containers for the loading area. Smaller dumpsters require more frequent pick-ups but consume less space. 4 are needed: trash, paper for recycling, cardboard for recycling, and commingled containers for recycling. Most hauling companies report weights for roll-off boxes but not for dumpsters that are lifted and emptied into a truck.
• Behaviors of scavengers and revenue concerns will determine if loading area containers should be covered and secured. If revenue is not an issue, scavengers may cause problems by creating a mess or endangering themselves. In many settings, scavengers remove material without causing problems.

• Consider how recycling will fit in with current maintenance practices and duties.
• Get input from the staff members that empty trash and that will empty recycling bins. They can see what is discarded and know which trash receptacles fill fastest.
• Use clear liner bags for recycling, so they are easily distinguished from trash once pulled and so contamination can be easily assessed. Find out if the hauler will accept bags in the loading area container or if bags should be emptied into the box.
• Train the crew and give them skills and authority for trouble-shooting.
• Monitor the program operations and refine them.
• Conduct a pilot program if possible, before making the full investment in receptacles.

• Signs with the recycling symbol and/or “Recycle Here” should be visible from a distance. Instructions for what to put inside should be visible up close, usually viewed from above.
• Post signs encouraging recycling at locations where recyclable materials are purchased or obtained – near vending machines, copiers, supply rooms, etc.
• Promote recycling with a focus on the importance of one individual’s participation and positive statements.
• The convenience of paired bins will contribute to correct participation in recycling (a trash bin next to every recycling bin).
• Press releases and other notices can announce the program and report on success.
• Inform vendors of the program and encourage them to participate and promote recycling. Questions about recycling programs are often asked of food service staff.

• Record the weights and volumes of recyclables and trash.
• Check the trash to note uncaptured recyclables.
• Record the money saved in averted disposal costs and revenue from the materials.
• Use the data to identify refinement needs, track the payback time, promote and justify the effort and prevent confusion or mistakes on the part of your successors.