how could i start mandatory recycling in my community?

Answer 1

Check out your council's website - they often have a voluntary community recycling groups (I live in WIndsor - you can check their website if you want to know what I mean). There is a reuse network, you can check it out here: http://www.reusenetworks.org.uk/getinvolved.html

Also there is a recycling on-line community where people give their unwanted stuff away for free. Posting is free too - people just come and pick it up - which means less waste goes into landfill. You can post a Wanted ad there too. One man's waste - other man's trasure! They are divided by areas, so you have to find yours, subscribe, and if you want to involve more people - start sending emails about them to your friens and co-workers. The address is www.freecycle.org
I got rid of loads of old stuff there, you'd be surprised what basic things people are looking for there. I got rid of my fitted carpets there and they were not in very good condition!

Answer 2

Good for you. I'm glad you want to.

Number one, when you start, do not start it by making it mandatory. Suggest it as a way to help the environment. Actually, here is how I did it:

I wrote to my school. I described to them the benefits of recycling and the rules, of recycling. I also told them the main idea behind recycling. These can all be found on the Net.

The recycling project became quite a talk in my school and my principal, being the publicist, wrote to the press about the role they play in recycling for the community.

It went on the press. This led to a discussion. Several people, instead of one puny person, demanded to have more recycling in my country.

This is a start.

However, if you are not a student, then you can write to the press yourself. If you are really serious about it, then open up a petition among your peers, make sure you get at least 50% of your community, and bring it to the town council in person, or the environmental in charge in your community.

It may take alot of effort, but a greener place is a happier place.

Answer 3

'Mandatory' recycling sounds pretty invasive.

Why not work to encourage people to consume less instead?

Each bottle of water or can of soda not purchased saves the environment so much more than recycling (which takes a lot of sorting, transportation, washing, and processing) and we don't need to consume as much small-container liquids as we do.

Prizes for having less garbage (including recycling) to put out would be nice.

Answer 4

Work with City and Garbage officials. One city I know makes each household buy stickers for their garbage and recycling is free. So, if that doesn't encourage recycling, then I don't know what will. I have no clue on how big items are trashed...

Answer 5

Contact Al Gore, he is big on recycling garbage.