For decades we’ve relied on individual communities to design their own recycling programs with little or no consideration for neighboring efforts. The result is a disjointed system of inconsistent recycling guidelines, mismatched terminology and chaotic branding that feeds public confusion and distrust. Recognizing the problem, a growing number of number of public and private-sector stakeholders are stepping out of their silos to coordinate “harmonized” program rules and messaging across entire regions.
This program will combine a primer with case study examples of harmonization efforts. In addition to reviewing best practices, it will spotlight an Oregon initiative to develop consistent rules and signage for multi-family housing recycling as well as a council of government (COG)-led regional education campaign in Texas.
