PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Problem 1: Low Participation Rate Here are some of the things you can do to stimulate participation: Solution, Part 1: Provide Information People may not know how to recycle Provide reminders to tenants in memos and other promotional pieces Check that signs explain the recycling program See the Training and Promotion Section of this training
35. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Solution, Part 2: Put Containers in the Right Places Check the location of recycling bins Make sure there are enough of them and that they are conveniently located Make it easier to put recyclable materials in the recycling bins than to put them in the garbage Make sure everyone can easily reach a recycling bin
36. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Solution, Part 3: Appoint Recycling Experts It helps everyone to have an expert available to ask questions Designate motivated employees to be recycling coordinators for specific areas and let everyone know how to reach them Include the names or phone numbers for the experts in all the promotional materials
37. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Solution, Part 4: Motivate Some people simply don't care at all about recycling . Some people are very busy and might consider recycling to be a waste of time that is better spent on their "real work“. Some of these people can be convinced to participate by providing incentives, such as games, prizes, and recognition or by making recycling easier than not recycling .
38. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Problem 2: Contamination This is when non-recyclables are mixed with recyclables Solution: If contamination of recyclables is a problem throughout your building, ask your recycling company to help find procedural flaws or collection deficiencies If contamination is isolated to certain individuals in the building, focus your educational efforts on making sure they know the policies
39. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Problem 3: Lack of Space This can either be a lack of space near the points of generation or at the central collection and storage. Solution Lack of storage space is one of the biggest problems in many downtown office buildings Request assistance from your recycling company The two most practical solutions are to: (1) have materials collected more frequently and (2) install compacting equipment Be sure to consider health and safety as well as fire hazards when you address space issues