How to How Initiate Recycling in the Community

Steps to take to start a recycling program in your community.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Depending on your community, the first step to any recycling program is to start at the top. This would be your Village Council, Trustees, etc...
   Once you find out who these elected officials are, contact them to reserve a time space for you to go to the next public, monthly meeting and speak to them.
   Most councils meet on a regular monthly schedule at the town hall.
   
   You need to find out also, if there are any zoning requirements and what the expense will be if done at the curb vs.. drop off locations. This may be a question done during step two.

2. Before going to the meeting, contact your county, (local) solid waste company or department. You should be able to find out who they are by typing in a search engine - your area and the words solid waste.
   
   Once you find out who they are, then look for the name of the Director.
   He or she will be the one to steer you in the right direction. They would love to see a recycling program in your community, they might even be able to set up a solid waste day - this is a day when residents can drop off garbage which is not permitted in regular trash, such as paint.

3. Once you have your information from the solid waste director, you will be able to approach Council with educated information, on what needs to be done. I can't see any community turning down a recycling program. It will only better their community unless cost is a big issue.

Tips & Warnings

• Get all your information first, before contacting the elected officials. Get them on your side, be pleasant. You want them in your court - to make this work. Be prepared to compromise at first, don't be discouraged, look at it as a stepping stone.
• This advice is very generic, each community has its own laws governing it. You need to contact these people to find out what needs to be done to initiate the program and any laws and costs which come with it.
• No stipulation was given as to the type of program wanted - a curb side pick up program using a specific truck to come out and pick up the items at each home or bins placed throughout the community, for residents to drop items off.