4C: Solid Waste and Recycling Staying Aware to Help Others Do Well

Solid waste and recycling Custodians actually see what is in the trash and recycling containers and help with education Minimize contamination in compost, trash and recycling Clean bins as often as possible Help maintain awareness among occupants Monitor how well the pickup schedule works Be aware of improperly disposed restricted wastes in the trash Intent: The intent of this module is to raise custodian’s awareness of the positive role they can play in helping the city manage its waste properly and meet is recycling goals Custodians are not responsible for solid waste management, but are often the only ones who see the contents of containers and can help make the program successful Be familiar with what should be in each container Where there is contamination in a waste stream, speak to your supervisor about communications with office staff. Contamination costs the City money to clean up and sort Overflowing trash or recycling is unsanitary and time consuming to clean up. If you find consistently overflowing containers, speak to your supervisor about increasing frequency of pick up Wash out the bins as often as possible Beware of improperly disposed special wastes such as batteries, fluorescent light tubes, medical wastes, paint, etc.

Take a look in the container Don’t Sort! Report!

Are Materials in the Right Containers? Recycling Compost Landfill

Improperly Managed Waste Costs Money

Adjust Pickup Schedules When Containers Overflow

Restricted Wastes

Quiz Which of the following is correct? Trash goes in the green bin; Recycling goes in the black bin; Compost goes in the blue bin Trash goes in the black bin; Recycling goes in the blue bin; Compost goes in the green bin Trash goes in the blue bin; Recycling goes in the green bin; Compost goes in the blue bin None of the above Which of the following is NOT a restricted waste: Batteries Medical waste Spoiled food Fluorescent light tubes Correct answers: 1b 2 c