Page 81 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

COMMON PROBLEMS AND THE HUMAN FACTORS OF RECYCLING SYSTEMS 59

2.9.1 MATERIAL MISPLACEMENT

One problem often encountered when companies attempt to separate recyclables is
employee involvement. At most sites surveyed, containers dedicated to certain mate-
rials were found to contain other materials as well. This often results in higher costs
for the companies. For instance, at one company, recyclable material was found in a
dumpster dedicated for hazardous wastes and therefore costs more to dispose.
However, wood, old corrugated containers (OCC), and other recyclables were finding
their way into this dumpster.
At another company, recyclables were found in the landfilled trash stream even
though there were recycling containers nearby. One such example was in a warehouse.
The warehouse had recycling containers for shrink wrap and clean cullet (broken
glass) positioned throughout the aisles, and yet the shrink wrap, glass, and wood were
all found in the garbage cans, which were also throughout the aisles. In addition, there
were aluminum collections barrels containing glass, glass collection barrels contain-
ing aluminum, and miscellaneous other trash mixed into the bins labeled for
recyclables.
A third company, a heavy manufacturer and assembly plant, also encountered this
problem of material misplacement. Upon a preliminary tour of the plant, it was
noted that in clearly marked recycling containers, other materials such as Styrofoam
cups, paper, and mixed trash were found. Similarly, in a large office building with
over 600 employees the paper collection boxes also contained film plastic, OCC,
and mixed trash.
These observations raised several serious questions. First, why do people place the
wrong materials into collection containers or place recyclables into a landfill stream
even when the appropriate container is located within close proximity? What is the
motivation that causes some people to obey the recycling policies and what is the
motivation that causes others not to? What can be done to improve involvement and
deter carelessness in regards to recycling? What human factors come into play in
determining the signs, which should be used to mark collection containers and in the
placement of containers? Finally, what motivational ideas work best in regards to recy-
cling, trash separation, and waste minimization?
It has been noted that when recycling containers are distinctive according to accept-
able material, the employees are much more likely to place the proper material in the
container. This may involve a difference in the type of container used, the color of the
recycling container, or the size and shape of the opening or of the container itself. For
instance, some companies use large wire bins which are always for recyclables only.
Other used colored containers to designate the end point of the materials. Still others
use containers of different shapes and sizes for each different material. Often the same
types of similar containers are used with only a difference in size and shape of the
opening for each material.
It is also obvious that when there are clear signs designating the acceptable materi-
als for each container that accidental wrong placement of materials is much less likely.
These signs usually work better if they are in color, have pictures, and are placed in
easy sight. The signs must be easily recognizable and distinguishable in order to