Dive Brief:
- Springfield, MA officials are spreading the word about items residents should never put into the recycling stream.
- The wrong item most frequently put into household recycling receptacles is one that while seeming easily recyclable, is not always: plastic bags.
- Springfield’s public works crews will be stricter with recycling receptacles that have items that are not recyclable, like plastic bags or old clothes, and will not take them.
Dive Insight:
To the average resident in the average American town, recycling the right items at the right times requires a little conscientiousness, if not a bit of self-education. Depending upon the recycling system the municipality uses, the system can be confusing to residents.
That’s why Springfield’s outreach effort, which lists 10 things not to put into the recycling stream, is on target. When it’s clear to people what they are supposed to recycle and what doesn’t go in that stream, participation increases. And an outreach effort that includes an informational helpline residents can telephone to find out about recycling, which Springfield has, seems quite customer-friendly and one the industry may want to keep a close eye on.
