Technological watch

Recycling Partnership launches free online tool to simplify recycling for consumers

Consumer confusion is seemingly the result of the single-stream recycling method in which people throw nearly everything into the recycle bin. In an attempt to alleviate this confusion, the Recycling Partnership (Falls Church, VA) announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns. The debut of this free online resource promises to help people know what to throw into the recycling stream.

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of the Recycling Partnership, during her announcement onstage at the Resource Recycling Conference in New Orleans. “Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry.”

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from bumper sticker to poster dimensions. The tool is available by going to the and signing up with contact information. No special software is needed to edit the signs. Through the online tool, all sizes of the signs, labels and posters can be customized for any company or jurisdiction, and for any type of recyclable.

“This tool, available to anyone who needs it, connects to our tested and proven campaign materials and will enable recycling programs to more easily deliver top-rate communications with their public,” said Harrison.

“Engaging consumers on what can and cannot be recycled is key to limiting trash or other non-recyclables from making their way into recycling containers,” said Cody Marshall, Chief Community Strategy Officer at the Recycling Partnership. “Residents need to be informed with clear, concise and consistent education in order for recycling systems to be successful. Our DIYSigns tool complements our other free resources and technical assistance to better inform residents on what they can recycle.”

The Recycling Partnership offers technical, operational and educational assistance to communities in the form of free resources and grants to drive change in recycling programs across the country. A good place to begin, suggests the Recycling Partnership, is the Contamination Kit, which includes all the documents communities need to stimulate conversation and walks through how and when to use them. Second, the Campaign Builder helps customize and design a recycling education campaign.

All of the resources offered by the Recycling Partnership are free to anyone looking to transform recycling for good and help Americans to waste less and recycle more.

Publication date: 29/08/2019

Plastics Today

This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme

The website reflects only the author's view. The Commission is not responsible for any use thay may be made of the information it contains.
Last update: 2022-01-31