Successful municipal recycling efforts depend on an educated community, a sense of shared purpose and strong public support for the goals of the program. The placement of convenient, well-marked receptacles in downtown retail areas and town parks is a key component in building awareness and support.

One major problem facing recycling managers is contamination of the waste stream. The following suggestions can be helpful:

• Locate recycling and trash receptacles near each other.

• Use brightly marked containers with clear signs, stickers, logos or other visual aids.

• Provide regular collection, particularly during special events or weekends.

• Provide containers with openings that accept only the desired recyclables (e.g., slits for paper, round openings sized for cans and bottles.)

Resources:

One of the most successful municipal recycling programs we found is the one conducted in Nantucket, Massachusetts. An extensive article about the history of the island's solid waste problem and its highly successful solution is available here. (That's one of Nantucket's recycling receptacles on the left.)

The City of Raleigh, NC has a model program for recycling in parks. It began with a state grant and continues thanks in part to two local reprocessors who buy the recycled material.

The City of St. Louis has compiled a list of recycled content recycling-container wholesalers.  The list is not exhaustive, but provides a good starting point for the search of appropriate bins.