It’s all about the Cart, Part 2

August 18, 2015

In “It’s all about the Cart, Part 1” the Recycling Partnership’s new CARTS module was introduced. Part 2 presents two more common themes and best management practices for making the switch to carts--cart delivery and tracking.

Cart delivery

Planning ahead for recycling roll cart delivery is essential. A few more tips for success include:

• Make sure the resident address list is up-to-date and accurate. It goes without saying that an address list is essential for finding out where the carts go. But it also is necessary for knowing how many carts to purchase in the first place.  Moreover, getting and maintaining an accurate list is an ongoing process.
• Plan on securing and checking the address lists at least two months before delivery. The validated list should be provided to the cart delivery company at least 6 weeks before the cart delivery is set to begin in order to ensure a smooth roll out. Cart vendors can often help in verifying address lists for accuracy and be able to provide a more accurate count of the number of carts that should be purchased.
• Have a plan for the delivery, work logistic details out with the cart vendor, and be ready!  A secure, paved lot to stage carts prior to delivery is needed. A gravel lot can work in a pinch, but pavement provides for easier offloading and loading of delivery vehicles. 
• In the CARTs Module, the Recycling Partnership recommends that specific directions be prepared for the multiple crews that will be distributing the carts. Depending on the community layout, size of delivery vehicle, size and weight of the carts, anticipate that each crew can deliver between 800 to 1,500 carts per day. In addition to cart delivery specifics—address, what information is to be left with the cart (and how), where to sit the cart at each residence—crews will also need to know other “what ifs.” These include: what to do if a household doesn’t want a cart; if crews find a house not on the initial address list; and how many carts to leave for residents in mobile home parks and multi-family dwellings. Also, remember that access codes will be required for delivery to gated communities.

 Metrics and ongoing program improvements

Once the carts are rolled out, program administrators will want to begin calculating program metrics. These are important to show that the new cart program is successful at bringing anticipated improvements in tonnage, safety and performance, cost savings, and other needed program improvements. Metrics will include: recycling tonnage, waste tonnage, contamination rate, and set-out rate (participation rate can also be determined if there are RFID readers in recycling vehicles). Tracking tonnage will point to any increases in recycling and reduction in waste generation, while set-out rates provide a grasp of overall recycling participation. If trucks are equipped with RFID readers, carts that are not being used can be tracked for additional outreach to these households.

Quality control

Cart use can lead to increased contamination. With automated systems, drivers are less likely to view cart contents. Also, residents may be adding more unacceptable items in order to “fill the cart.”  Particularly after the new cart program begins, ask drivers to periodically check cart contents; if carts are found with contaminants a notice should be left. It’s also important to communicate regularly with MRF operators to determine if there are any major contamination issues.  Ongoing public outreach on “recycling right” is important to ensure program success.

As Cody Marshall with the Partnership states, “Local governments all over the country are recognizing the importance of quality material because the success of the MRF leads to the success of their community’s recycling program.”

There’s more to cart success

Just leaving a cart in someone’s driveway will not provide all of the benefits that a community can achieve by switching to rollout carts. As noted in Part 1 of this article, governments must effectively communicate with residents, using multiple tactics, and be prepared for ongoing program communication.

Recycling carts can be a viable tool for increasing recycling; however, it must be used with the other tools we have at hand, including effective communication.

By Athena Lee Bradley

This article was derived from information provided by Cody Marshall from his “Putting the Cart Before the Bin” published in Resource Recycling in June 2015. Mr. Marshall, is the Technical Assistance Lead at The Recycling Partnership, a 501(c)(3) established in 2003 driven to provide stronger recycling systems nationwide. He can be contacted at cmarshall@recyclingpartnership.org.