How can I get my neighbors to recycle?

Question

They never put anything out on recycling day. The wife seems like a kind of snob, doesn't talk to the neighbors, not too friendly. I guess she doesn't care about the rest of the world. But recycling is so easy, and it really really bothers me that she can't be bothered.

Any ideas on how I could approach her about recycling? I even spoke to the town council, and they don't want to force people to recycle, so they won't do anything.

Answer 1

noble intentions...i salute you for that.

you can't force anybody to recycle, and of course, neither can the town council.(stupid democracy) hehe


anyways, instead of asking the town council to FORCE people to recycle, maybe you can talk to the town council to merely influence them to recycle through various campaigns.

there are schools, companies, towns that are doing their fair share in saving the environment. see how it is working for them, and try to incorporate their plan and standards into your own community.

if the town council can't tell everyone to recycle, they can tell them to properly segregate their trash so recyclable materials can be recycled by others.

instead of lecturing your neighbors to recycle, try inserting pamphlets into their mailboxes showing the effects of not recycling. most people don't recycle because they feel that if they recycle and others don't then it will make no difference... one man can make a difference, and you need to convince them that they can make a difference.

Answer 2

I agree that you can't force them, but the suggestion to have a party with a Green Theme is a great one. Even if your neighbors decide not to attend, they might feel the peer pressure. I think a little pressure is warranted, as everyone together has a responsibility to start making changes.
They might be resisting because of that horrible and misleading BullS*** program by Penn and Teller, or the article "Recycling Is Garbage." They told people that many times the trucks don't even recycle what they take, and that recycling is even worse for the environment. (All untrue-- look on the websites below for the facts. Recycling companies actually make money selling your cans and some other recyclables, and facts show that recycling is truly better for the environment.)

Enough misinformation is out there that a educational campaign from your township, or a well-written flyer could give them the push they need. Call your local recylcling company and ask if they have flyers about what actually happens to everything they pick up. And getting your township involved in a positive way could make a much bigger difference.

Answer 3

Did you ever talk to her about anything? Maybe she feels the same way about you, that you snob her because she doesn't recycle. A simple, honest hello might open a dialogue. Some people don't care about the environment and others simply are too caught up in their old habits to change.

The key to change is being proactive and focusing only on things you can control: your own actions and choices.

Here are a few ideas of things you can do to promote recycling without forcing your opinions on others:

- Lead by setting the example with your own actions.
- Host a neighborhood event about recycling & invite her and her husband.
- Invite them over for supper & serve organic food, without turning this event into a debate about the environment.
- Organize a community treasure hunt: Encourage residents to place their unwanted, yet functioning & useful, items by the curb on a certain day for free pick-up by other members of the community.

Answer 4

In our state,People that recycle and take the stuff to the dump themselves are recycling.When a person does it at home puts it out 90 percent of whats recycled goes right in with the other trash,the Pick up does not bother to keep it separate.It makes the recycler fell warm and fuzzy like you do( not too the point of infringing on other peoples trash like you are) ,but that's about all that comes out of it.I rec commend that you see whats going on with yours you might be surprised.

Answer 5

If your neighbour is a snob I doubt that she will welcome any suggestions from you, and going to town council or anyone else about your neighbour could make for a bad relationship with your neighbour.
One thing you might try is "if" you happen to be having a civil conversation with either he or she, casually mention recycling and that if they'd like you'd be happen to handle their recycle items. Mind, they might be too lazy to put them out for you or may take your offer the wrong way and tell you to go to hell.
My best answer is to lead by example.

Answer 6

Hes in simple terms amassing aluminum cans to recycle. people try this for all time, my dad does it(in spite of the fact that he doesnt dig by way of peoples rubbish cans-he possibilities them up off the streets or in spite of.) people convey mutually the cans and take them to a recycling center. In return you get funds from it-its no great deal. think of roughly it-if aluminum is going for consistent with possibility 50 cents a pound and you bypass in with consistent with possibility a hundred kilos of alumnium cans it is nicely worth it, plus you're helping your section by way of recycling and choosing up scrap cans. as long as hes no longer making a large number dont hassle approximately it.

Answer 7

The best thing you can do is obviously lead by example. While I wish everyone would recycle as well, it is also important to learn to accept things which are beyond our control. Maybe your neighbor doesn't know why it is important to recycle.

check out www.thegspwebsite.com for more environmental info

Answer 8

You can't force them to do anything.

But you could put some pamphlets and literature in their letterbox at night. Serious. But not in the day. But not every day either.

It is up to us to try and make people aware of Global Warming and the changing ecology. But you can only make them aware, not force them.

It's important for us to become more responsible with our garbage, but you can't go digging through your neighbours garbage.

There are always people who are very selfish or just ignorant, or don't care.

Join a group, they will probably welcome you.

Be pro-active, but don't try forcing neighbours to live by your standards.

Answer 9

If you asked me to recycle I would say it is a good idea, but I dont want to be bothered with it.


I would tell you that you can sift thru certain garbage cans and recycle whatever is in there. I would then mark one as metal and one as plastic.

Answer 10

Don't approach them. If you are so passionate about recycling, then get involved in groups that teach people in your town or city.