Outreach Ministries: Recycling Program

There are so many reasons to recycle…to protect our planet, to save energy, and to keep your community beautiful. Here is some information to help you start a recycling program within your organization and the community at large.

1. Choose a leader

Designate a Recycling Coordinator to oversee the program and motivate others.

2. Determine the Items to be Recycled

Common items are white paper, mixed paper, aluminum and steel cans, glass and plastics. As for recycling/disposing of household hazardous waste, such as cleaning products, used automotive batteries, used motor oil, antifreeze, household and Nicad batteries and water-based paints, very special precautions must take place. Refer to your local hazardous waste collection agency.

3. Select Storage Location

Select a storage area that is convenient for all members of the community. By making recycling easy, it will become a habit.

4. Select Storage Receptacles Consider convenience, price, space, weight and ease of cleaning when selecting storage containers. Garbage cans are practical and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Make sure that the recycling containers look different from the trash receptacles. Remember to alert your trash hauler so that they don't take your community recyclables by mistake.

5. Develop a Collection Plan It is important to set a collection schedule. Consistency is the key. The frequency of collection days depends on how much storage space you have for the recyclables.

6. Develop a Transportation Plan There are two options: transport the recyclables on your own OR hire a pick-up service to collect them for you. The advantage of personally transporting your community's recyclables is that you keep any money generated from the sale of the materials (if you go to a buy-back center). For ease and convenience, you may prefer to obtain a pick-up service. Keep in mind that many companies will charge a fee, but this is usually less than the fee to collect trash. Many haulers will also collect recycling in addition to recycling companies.

7. Inform and Educate Let your fellow community members know about the program. Circulate flyers through any other outreach programs you maintain. Post flyers in commonly viewed areas such as Laundromats, libraries, supermarkets, schools, and clubhouses. Remember to include the following information.

• When the program will start
• What will be recycled
• What the pick-up day will be
• How to sort and prepare the recyclables
• Where the storage and collection sites will be located
• Whom to call for assistance

The more contact you have with your neighbors, the more likely they will be to participate. Let them know that any degree of participation is welcome.

8. Program Maintenance After your recycling program gets underway, there are a few duties that will keep the program running smoothly: Keep your collection site neat

• Keep the containers clean
• Ensure that recyclables are being placed in the proper containers
• Keep communication lines open between you and your recycler
• Continually inform community of any changes in the program.

Get recycling bins by calling 1-800-RECYCLE or searching online.

Helpful Links

Container Recycling Institute- Facts and statistics about container recycling in the US.

Recycling Bin.Com- The ultimate online source for recycling equipment.

National Recycling Commission- a membership organization of professionals and advocates dedicated to maximizing recycling.

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