UPDATES TO SWMCB RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING COMMUNICATIONS May 30, 2012 Angie Timmons, Hennepin County and SWMCB Communications Staff Committee Lead

Overview Changing Markets and Communications Challenges SWMCB Residential Recycling Toolkit Updates – Background – Terminology – Communications Resources Other Communications Efforts

Communications Challenges Changing markets = changing programs Lack of consistency in materials accepted throughout the region Residents confused about what can go in the bin

SWMCB Residential Recycling Toolkit - Background Originally developed by SWMCB in 2006 through partnerships with: – Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) – Association of Recycling Managers (ARM) – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) – Recycling Haulers Goal: Consistency in regional recycling messages to break through the communications clutter. Includes terminology, images, articles, fact sheets and templates for advertisements and other communications pieces.

ARM Workshop – February – County, city and recycling hauler staff attended – Facilitated discussion on current terminology and updates needed based on recent program changes On the Street Testing – March – 50 interviews completed – Diverse group of interviews – Results: Need specific language – broad categories too generic Images more important than terminology Terminology Finalized - April Terminology Process

Final Terminology: Short List Recycle: Paper: mail, magazines, newspaper, boxes, cardboard Cartons: milk cartons; juice boxes; soup cartons Plastic: bottles, jugs, (cups, containers and lids*) Metal: food and beverage cans Glass: bottles and jars *Not all recycling programs accept these items. Check with your City or service provider for details.

Final Terminology: Long List PlasticGlassPaper YES: Bottles and jugs: Water, soda and juice bottles Milk and juice jugs Ketchup and salad dressing bottles Dishwashing liquid bottles and detergent jugs Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles NO: Styrofoam Microwaveable food trays Plastic wrap Motor oil bottles and other containers that held hazardous products. MAYBE Yogurt, pudding and fruit cups Disposable cups and bowls Margarine, cottage cheese, and other containers Produce, deli and take out containers Clear packaging from toys and electronics Plastic caps and lids YES: Food and beverage bottle and jars NO: Drinking glasses, ceramic dishes, and vases Window glass and mirrors YES: Mail, office and school papers Magazines and catalogs Newspapers and inserts Phone books Shredded paper in closed paper bags Boxes NO: Paper soiled with food Paper plates and cups Paper napkins or towels Gift wrap MAYBE Pizza boxes Paper egg cartons Pop and beer cases Refrigerated or frozen food boxes Metal YES: Food and beverage cans NO: Cans that held hazardous products such as paint thinner MAYBE Scrap metal Aluminum foil Aerosol cans Empty paint cans Cartons YES: Milk cartons Juice boxes Soup, broth and wine cartons

Toolkit Updates 2 new articles 11 new images Updated templates Updated fact sheets Consolidation of paper and containers materials Available on swmcb.org/tool-kits

New Images

Other SWMCB Communications Efforts Updated recycling information on RethinkRecycling.com Green Tips E-Newsletter Social Media

Next Steps Promotion of updated resources to SWMCB partners Hauler outreach