talking out the trash: tips for engaging on solid waste

In my 10 years with the ZINC team, I have worked with local governments to share information and engage on some of the most critical services delivered to residents. They’ve included sewer projects, water treatment, streetscape and accessibility improvements, parks and trails and more.

There is nothing though – except maybe aquatic centres – that generates more attention than issues related to solid waste. Communications about garbage, recycling, organics, automated cart collection, rural roadside collection, mandatory diversion or waste reduction are sure to get people talking.

It makes sense, right? Solid waste is one of the most tangible ways that local government serves its communities. When something doesn’t work with solid waste, everyone feels it. When a program related to solid waste changes, it impacts everyone.  

Over the past four years, ZINC has been a part of thousands of conversations about solid waste with people on the Island and we have learned a lot – both about garbage (and how important it is reduce what you’re sending to the landfill!) and about engaging with the public on this critical subject.

here’s some tips

If you’re wading into solid waste talks with your community, here’s some tips.

• People Care: Solid waste is one of the most obvious services provided by local governments and its smooth delivery is important. Residents have strong opinions about their service – whatever it looks like – because it’s important to their daily life in a way that many services are not. Be prepared for a lot of people to want to talk. Be prepared for a lot of people to want to vent. And be prepared for a lot of people to want to talk about the solid waste issue that’s important to them – not necessarily the topic that’s on the table.
• Explain the ‘why’: People understand the routine and process of managing their own waste (though it’s different for everyone). They know the sorting, they know the schedule. They are less clear about what happens next, and it leaves them with a lot of questions. Why isn’t glass accepted at the curbside? Why do we need to reduce our waste? Why can’t compostable bags go in the organics bin? Bridging the gap between people managing their waste, and what happens to that waste once it leaves their property is key to explaining the service and having an informed group ready to participate.
• Plan for real-time responsiveness: When it comes to changes to services, you will need to diligently prepare the public in advance with thorough, wide ranging and clear materials. You will also need to diligently prepare for a very busy communications period when the ‘rubber hits the road’ because when the changes become real, even the most prepared resident will have questions.
• Capitalize on tools already in place: Many communities have really direct ways to talk about solid waste – whether it’s utility bills or the collection apps – you can lean on these to communicate and know that the message is getting directly to the audience you’re aiming for.

(PSST – we have lots of other engagement tips too on ZINC Tank, including this intro about the importance of a good plan)

Communicating about solid waste has made me so much more aware of my own and ZINC’s waste generation – and to pay more attention to reduce the load we create. I’m not unique that way – when people understand, and they’re invited to engage, there can be a lot of good change created.

What do you ZINC?

Have you learned something about solid waste management that has changed the way you look at your own waste habits? Drop us a line and let us know.