For more information on how to build a exceptional recycling programs for your Parks & Recreation Facilities, click here.
We know that developing a waste management program is never as simple as purchasing containers and hoping that the public knows how to use them. That’s why we’ve compiled the 10 best reads that will help you improve your parks & recreations recycling and waste management programs!
Standardize your program, add more recycling stations, reduce contamination—these are all the typical phrases you’ll hear in the recycling community about how to improve diversion rates and reduce costs for your municipality. Although these practices are tried and true, there are many moving parts to each that makes tackling them successfully a little more difficult—but that’s where you come in!
The team at Busch Systems has put together the following essential list of 11 best resources to help you learn how to run a spectacular recycling & waste management program. Even better, they’re all free!
If you know of some more resources that can help us further educate, please comment below with your suggestions and we’ll add them to the list. And don’t forget to bookmark this page, so you can refer back to it when you’ve got some more time to brush up on your recycling & waste management skills.
- Worth the Effort [Article]
~15 min read.
If you’re still on the fence about implementing a recycling program in your park or leisure facility, this article will likely be a great resource for you. Not only does is outline some of the benefits of recycling in public spaces, but also provides tips for managing the economics of recycling, and how to get the public on board.
- Public Space Recycling- A Review of Better Practices [blog]
~20 min read.
Recycling in any public space can be challenging, it can be extremely difficult to get guests on board with your program. Check out this blog by CIF that outlines 4 important lessons when it comes to implementing a recycling program and how you can effectively communicate your program to guests.
- Citizen Centered Services: New Forms in Public Space Recycling [Study]
~120+ min read.
This study tackles many unanswered questions for recycling in public spaces. Through user observation and ethnographic research (silent observation of the public), this thesis is able to address some of the major problems with recycling in public spaces and offer some tested solutions that are sure to help improve your recycling program.
- Leisure: Taking Action on Waste [Pdf]
~25 min read.
This fact sheet was produced by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Plan) in the UK with the intention of providing quick facts and tips for reducing waste in the leisure sector. It is an extremely easy read, and although the numbers are based on UK stats, it still provides some amazing insight that will help address problems within your waste management program, and how to solve them. It also includes a link to their full research at the bottom of the PDF, in case you can’t get enough.
- Be the Change You Want to See: Modeling Food Composting in Public Places [Study]
~90+ min read.
Introducing an organics stream at your park can be extremely challenging, but rewarding. This study included and experiment in which and organics stream was added to a food court, and explores the most effective ways to engage guest participation. It is and excellent resource in thinking beyond bin placement to encourage participation in your waste management program!
- Development of Best Practices in Public Space Recycling [Study]
~15 min read.
If you’re looking to grow your waste management program and even achieve zero waste, this is an amazing resource to help you implement new tactics and reduce waste in public spaces. It includes all kinds of tips from beginning a program to implementation, infrastructure, and budget, as well as goals for the future. - Waste Management in Selected National Parks: A Review [Academic Paper]
~90+ min read.
Although this paper was written about national parks, many aspects of it ring true with amusement parks as well. The review explains the importance of waste management and how to keep public areas clean, while arguing important factors of educating and communicating effective waste management to the public, or your guests.
- Going Public [Academic Article]
~30 min read.
This document is extremely helpful when starting a recycling program at your park or recreation facility. It addresses some of the unique challenges of recycling in widely public areas and offers suggestions for success within your program!
- Recycling Right in Public Spaces [Webpage]
~5 min read.
This quick read was posted by the city of Toronto to help the public properly sort their waste in their public areas! Recycling guidelines are different in every region, which is why it is so important to help the public understand the importance of proper sorting.
- Public Space Recycling Resources [webpage]
~15 min read.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a few more helpful resources, check out Keep America Beautiful’s webpage that includes a list of resources that will help you master your public space recycling program.
And there you have it! Plenty of resources to get your journey to sustainable waste management started. We’ll continue to update this page as we see more great information come down the pipe. And again, if you think we’ve missed some more resources, feel free to comment below.
Stay tuned!
