This past Saturday, a guy randomly walked up to me and exclaimed, “People either have no idea how to recycle properly, or they just don’t care.” I had no idea who the guy was, or why he would even walk up to me and say this, but apparently he was frustrated that the green recycle bins along Elmwood were always filled with non-recyclable trash. Despite being a bit caught off guard, I agreed with him, because more often than not I see people throwing anything and everything into the green recycle bins, even when there is a blue trash bin right next to it.
As of today, The City is continuing on with its ‘34andMore Buffalo Recycles’ initiative. The next phase launches a public awareness initiative, which will hopefully help to get the following message by Mayor Brown out there:
“The ‘34andMore Buffalo Recycles’ initiative kicks into high gear and plays a very important role in encouraging and educating city residents about the importance of recycling,” said Mayor Brown. “We are saturating the city with fun and fresh information on how residents can participate in the city’s comprehensive recycling programs. I thank you, in advance, for your support.”
The green messages, funded by a Recycling Education Grant (contract with Republic Services), will begin to appear in print, on billboards, bus shelters, etc. There will also be a social media campaign (“Can I recycle this?”) and a new City recycling website launched, in order to get people thinking about the importance that recycling has on a city, and on the planet.
All of the additional awareness generated, is intended to elevate the recycling rate in Buffalo, beyond the national average, which is 34% (Buffalo currently stands at 23%). Since launching the program in 2012, the city’s recycling rate has grown by over 81%. The new campaign strategy was launched on Earth Day, 2015, with a marketing plan designed by Block Club.
Featured slogans, designed to get people rethinking their recycling habits, include:
• It couldn’t be easier
• Yes, you can recycle your pizza box
• Recycle number 1 through 7
• Throw out your takeout
• Think twice about plastic bags
At a press event earlier today (lead image), Mayor Brown stressed once again the following five points:
1. Homes: Every household in Buffalo should have a recycling tote. If a city resident is in need of a tote, totes can be requested by calling 311.
2. Businesses: The businesses of Buffalo generate a tremendous amount of waste every year and recycling at the workplace can have a huge impact on our recycling rates. For more information, call 311.
3. Schools: Our schools focus on education every day. This fall, 34andMore posters will be delivered to every school in Buffalo as part of the city’s continued partnership with BPS for recycling education services and outreach.
4. Partnerships: 34andMore posters are being delivered to local associations, block clubs and community groups to increase their communities’ recycling rates.
5. City Buildings: Every City-owned building has a recycling program in place. The City will continue to distribute more recycling totes throughout city buildings and educate all employees about the importance of recycling.
The 34andMore campaign complements Mayor Brown’s comprehensive recycling program, which includes:
1. Single Stream curbside recycling – weekly curbside recycling.
2. Yard waste collection and drops off – yard waste is collected from residents for composting.
3. Tire recycling – residents can recycle their tires at 4 special collection drops offs per year.
4. Electronic waste recycling – E-waste is accepted from residents for recycling at no cost at 1120 Seneca Street.
5. Hazardous Waste collection events – city sponsored safe and environmentally responsible disposal for household hazardous waste.
6. Universal waste recycling – safe and responsible drop off for mercury containing devises, fluorescent bulbs and rechargeable batteries.
7. Textile recycling – The Western New York Coalition for Donated Goods, a collaboration of nonprofit organizations started by Mayor Brown, with a mission to educate the community about the environmental and economic benefits of recycling unwanted clothing and other donated goods, while providing easy access to donation opportunities.
Now we just have to hope that more people will go out of their way to recycle, as the process gets easier to understand through these public awareness campaigns. There will always be some people who just don’t care. Fortunately, this initiative is designed to reach those that do care.