Dive Brief:

• TerraCycle has partnered with Recycle Across America and Participant Media to create standardized messaging for public recycling receptacles throughout the U.S. The goal of the revamped images is to increase the amount of materials diverted from landfills.
• The intention of the new labeling system is to aid the public in understanding exactly what types of materials are acceptable to discard in waste and recycling containers.
• The newly-designed labels have found their way to 2,000 schools across the country, and were also placed on bins in Europe and Canada. Corporations are also taking part, using the stickers on company receptacles to help employees distinguish what materials correspond to the proper bin. A total of 5,000 labels have been distributed so far.

Dive Insight:

The intiative, called “Recycle Right,” also provides tips and an informational video used to help the public increase their awareness of recycling. Part of the launch of the labeling system includes a new comedy show: “Human Resources,” created on behalf of Participant Media, features a storyline about a company in New Jersey that makes it a goal to reduce waste worldwide. The show begins running on August 8, 2014, on the Pivot Channel. The standardization effort is not without precedent. In November 2013, the state of Vermont released a new series of waste and recycling symbols. Officials said the purpose behind the new labeling system was to promote a consistent and easily-identifiable image for consumers. The goal of the project is to increase recycling and reduce waste.