Standardized Recycling Bin Labels Promoted to Remove Confusion and Contamination
Recycle Across America (RAA) is promoting the use of national standardized recycling bin labels for public space recycling to help improve consumer confusion and to ensure that recyclable materials are not contaminated.
RAA’s focus is on recycling bins inside and outside office buildings, schools, churches, parks, and other areas where the public is asked to recycle. A pilot program at four school districts in the Minneapolis, MN area found that recycling increased 47% with more recycling bins and consistent labels.
RAA is using an online video to show the effect of label confusion at the bin and the resulting contamination. Inconsistent labels have shown to create consumer confusion and indifference. The resulting contamination then impacts the entire processing and economics of the recycling chain and jeopardizes, for example, the use of recycled glass to make new glass bottles.
“Our goal is to share this video and solution with converters and manufacturers that are burdened with these issues, so they can see the bigger picture of standardized labels in their industries,” says Mitch Hedlund, RAA Executive Director. As a next step, RAA its working to get an EPA grants to help schools begin using standardized recycling bin labels. They are also working with haulers and label suppliers. Watch the video
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About the institute
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.
