Week 5 Composting And Recycling Flashcards
What are two types of sorting strategies and what are the pros and cons?
- Sorting at the source - Main advantage is that people who are reasonably motivated can do an accurate job of sorting and it allow better sorting of organics.
- Centralized sorting – Higher costs and machines may not sort organics well.
What is the largest proportion of waste?
Organics make up the largest portion and should be composted.
What are 4 important lessons learned from the Harvey et. al. study?
That same day collection of recycle works better than collecting on a different day
That multiple sources of information work better to get compliance
That prompts are effective
That providing a bin has a large effect
What were the three long term goals of the HRM recycling program?
Maximize the 3 Rs (reduction, reuse and recycling).
Maximize environmental sustainability and minimize costs.
Foster stewardship and the values of a conserver society.
How did the fine tune the proposed program?
With a pilot project with a sample of 2000 families
What were the elements of the rollout?
Each of the residents in HRM were given a large green organic recycling cart with wheels and air holes to begin the composting process.
HRM staff delivered the tools to residents’ homes (Home Visits).
These tools included a kitchen mini-bin (a small covered container to
What were three of the problems to be overcome?
Improved capture of all compostable and recyclables
Dealing with the smell of compost in summer with more frequent pickups
Improved accuracy of sorting
How did HRM overcome problems with the program of accuracy of sorting?
Shaping down the number of waste garbage bags they could use
Transitioning to clear bags to better enforce sorting
Allowing one opaque bag for personal items
How did HRM overcome the problem of the smell of the composting bins in the summer.
Went from bi-weekly to weekly collection during the summer
What is another area that should receive attention.
Reducing single use plastic
Recyclable vs. Reusable. Which is preferred?
Reusable is preferred over recyclable whenever possible.
List some examples of reusable items.
Refillable water bottles
Refillable coffee cups
Washable utensils and plates rather than plastic or paper plates
Clothing
Some construction materials
What are some considerations in deciding between reuse and recycle?
How much energy to recycle vs. reuse
How much pollution associated with recycle vs. reuse
Adequacy of sanitation in reuse
How much energy is and pollution is used in initial production of an item
What are some behavioral methods for increasing the quality of waste sorting by the public?
Extinction - Do not pick it up if does not reach criterion with card explaining why start with warnings.
Punishment – Fine if it is not correctly sorted with warning period (punishment is not a preferred option)
Shaping – Gradually requiring better performance
Give examples how reducing effort can be used to improve the quality of recycling.
Moving recycling bins close to or attached to trash bins
Place reusable cutlery and plates in clear view and require them to request paper or plastic products
