For decades Ontario communities have been using these colours in their curbside recycling programs. Specific colours have become universally recognized, in North America, in denoting waste diversion activities, such as blue for recycling, green for organics/composting and black for garbage/landfill. Terms such as “Bottles and Cans” and “Paper” result in less confusion and reduce the potential for misinterpretation. Even the terms “Containers” and “Fibres” can cause confusion and may be interpreted to mean boxes, textiles, or food packaging. Avoid using industry jargon, such as “co-mingled” or “compostable”. To help facilitate the “quick” decision making process, it is important to use easily recognized, standardized messages such as “Garbage”, “Recycling”, “Organics” that most of the public understand. This limits the amount of time that a recycling station has to engage with the user.” This mode of thinking means that decisions are based on emotion and gut reaction, not considered thought. “People are in ‘thinking-fast’ frame of mind when interacting with people or objects in public spaces.

In a pilot project undertaken by York Region, surveyed park users indicated they spent fewer than five seconds reviewing signage on recycling and organic bins before deciding where to toss materials. When designing signage for public space bins keep in mind that the information conveyed to the user must allow them to make a decision in seconds. Cooperative Container Procurement Program.

Signage recycle