Best Practices Report: Drop-Off Recycling Programs

In many communities where curbside collection is not financially feasible, drop-off programs offer an alternative PET plastic recycling.

Although the cost is often less expensive than curbside programs, a drop-off center still requires a considerable investment of time and money. To help communities maximize the efficiency of their drop-off collection, NAPCOR reports these helpful "best practices" guidelines. These best practices were developed by the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, the Clean Washington Center for the Environmental Protection Agency, and NAPCOR.

Staffed or Self-Serve?

Many of today's drop-off programs operate as self-serve locations. While this method offers the convenience of 24-hour availability and lower operating costs, it often results in inefficient collection of low-quality material.

Staff members on site during established hours of operation can reduce material contamination and increase material value. By overseeing minimal compaction, staff members can improve transportation economics and efficiency. On-duty personnel, either paid or voluntary, can deter vandalism and educate residents on the best recycling methods. When considered in combination, these benefits can improve program economics beyond the cost of providing a staff.

A Convenient and Well-Equipped Location

Drop-off centers located at disposal sites for non-recyclable and non-compostible household trash tend to draw more activity. A one-stop location offers added convenience to community residents, and it reinforces recycling as an easy, on-site alternative to landfills.

Any drop-off location should be equipped with compaction or densification capacity for more efficient operation. Compaction increases the quantity of materials that can be efficiently transported to a processing facility. On-site densification means that containers can be emptied, processed, and stored at the drop-off center until the location has collected a suitable volume to justify the costs of transportation. Fewer trips with larger volumes greatly improve the efficiency of transportation, and compaction also provides the greatest market flexibility for your collected PET containers.

Finally, every drop-off location should take advantage of the opportunity to educate citizens. Displays can be particularly useful tools for increasing resident awareness of the range of recyclables collected in their community.

Clearly Marked Containers

Many container types are used at drop-off centers across the country. The best type for a specific program is best determined by the area's collection needs and preferences. However, all containers should include clear signage that tells residents what materials are appropriate for that specific container.

Signs should be written in as many languages as necessary, and they should use simple graphics to illustrate the materials. If possible, the signs should include actual examples of acceptable and unacceptable containers. By educating residents at the point of recycling, local programs will be rewarded with a less contaminated collection.