Placement, configuration, and layout of recycling receptacles are significant factors in promoting recycling and achieving a high rate of diversion. Strategically locating bins to capture the greatest amount of recycling should be done in consultation with park staff and other applicable stakeholders. A useful tool to determine where to locate bins can be to start with identifying areas with high traffic flow or activities that generate the greatest concentration of waste and/or litter.
Recycling bins should be located within 3 to 14 metres apart to be the most effective. Providing this many bins in an open space may be cost prohibitive and unsightly. In this instance, use the above as a guideline and place bins using other principles identified in this section.
Commuter areas include those areas where people enter/exit public transit and busy streets/sidewalks. This type of area tends to generate a large amount of recyclables as beverages are consumed, newspapers are read, etc. as people wait for transit or walk. Open spaces located near densely populated areas capture more recyclables. Bins located on the exterior of the open space will capture a greater amount of material than those located in the interior.
Although it may seem logical to place bins in the vicinity of crowded areas, this may not always be the best choice. Bins located in areas of extreme crowding will be inaccessible and even difficult to locate. If a bin is not clearly visible, it significantly decreases the likelihood of its use.
Consideration should be given to accessibility for children and people with disabilities. Due to the complexity of issues involved with making open space recycling totally accessible, it is not the focus of this report.
Placing recycling bins in areas where people expect to find them will help increase diversion rates. Examples of these locations include near entrances and exits; near washrooms; in eating areas; and near walkways and intersections. Increased amounts of waste may also be generated near community centres, schools, and entertainment venues. Based on the experience of park staff, bins should be installed near areas that are known to generate increased amounts of waste.
Not only is location of the bins important, but so too is their juxtaposition. Bins should always be paired; a waste bin should always be placed with a recycling bin to avoid contamination. Bins should also be placed side-by-side and not back-to-back. If bins are placed back-to-back, users may not realize the recycling/waste bin is on the other side, possibly resulting in higher contamination rates and lower diversion rates. At least one recycling bin should be paired with the garbage bins. Additional recycling bins may be required depending on the amount of recyclable material generated. Effective monitoring of bin fullness and collection of materials to maintain capacity in the bins will be important to the effectiveness of the recycling program.
Best Practices for the placement of bins in open spaces for recycling programs include:
· Identify areas with high traffic flow or activities and waste generation and locate bins in those areas;
· Place bins near where people will expect them (e.g. near entrances/exits, washrooms, etc.);
· Locate bins within 3 to 14 metres apart;
· Pair recycling containers with garbage containers on at least a 1:1 ratio; and,
· Place recycling containers beside garbage containers, not back at back.