Recycling

Purpose

To promote sustainability by ensuring that waste is properly sorted, recycled, and managed within the ecovillage. This protocol outlines the steps for recycling various materials and the responsibilities of community members.

Recycling Guidelines

Sorting Waste

1. Designated Bins:

• Use clearly labeled bins for the following categories:

• Organic Waste: Food scraps, compostable items. Do not put any meat or fish bones in here.

• Paper: Clean, dry paper and cardboard.

• Plastic: Clean plastic containers, bottles, and packaging. Cans can also go in here.

• Glass: Bottles and jars (rinsed and without lids).

• Metal: goes in the plastic bin

• Non-Recyclable Waste: Items that cannot be recycled (e.g., dirty plastics, non-compostable items).

• Hazardous Waste: Batteries, electronics, light bulbs (place in a separate designated area).

2. Instructions for Use:

• Follow signage at each bin for examples of accepted and non-accepted materials.

• If unsure, consult the recycling steward or reference the community recycling guide.

Preparing Items for Recycling

1. Rinse and Dry:

• Rinse food containers, bottles, and jars to remove residues before placing them in bins.

• Allow wet materials to dry to prevent contamination.

2. Flatten and Compact:

• Flatten cardboard boxes and compact bottles or cans to save space in recycling bins.

3. Remove Non-Recyclable Parts:

• Separate non-recyclable components (e.g., caps, stickers) from recyclable items.

Recycling Process

1. Collection Points:

• All recycling bins are emptied into larger community collection points on a weekly basis.

• Hazardous waste is stored securely and disposed of during designated drop-off days at certified facilities.

2. Community Responsibility:

• Rotate responsibility for emptying bins and maintaining collection points among community members.

• Notify the recycling steward if a bin is overflowing or requires replacement.

3. Transport and Disposal:

• The recycling steward ensures that materials are taken to the appropriate recycling centers or composting facilities.

Community Involvement

1. Education and Training:

• Attend recycling workshops to learn proper sorting techniques and understand the recycling process.

• Newcomers receive an introduction to the ecovillage’s recycling protocol as part of their orientation.

2. Monitoring and Feedback:

• The recycling steward monitors bin usage and provides reminders about proper sorting during community meetings.

• Feedback on recycling challenges or improvements is encouraged.

Special Recycling Programs

1. Composting:

• Organic waste is composted onsite and used to enrich the community garden soil.

• Separate guidelines for composting are provided in the garden maintenance protocol.

2. Upcycling and Reuse:

• Encourage creative reuse of materials like glass jars, cardboard, or fabric within the community.

• Hold upcycling workshops or swap events for items that can be repurposed.

3. Hazardous Waste Days:

• Schedule periodic hazardous waste collection days to safely dispose of items like batteries, electronics, and chemicals.

Why This Matters

By following this protocol, we:

• Reduce waste sent to landfills.

• Contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

• Promote a culture of responsibility and ecological mindfulness.

Together, we can make recycling an integral part of our daily lives and a cornerstone of our village values! 🌍♻️