RECOMMENDATIONS
The report contains a total of 45 recommendations based on analysis of data gathered in the region. These were then were prioritized based on their perceived positive impact on regional recycling based on seven impact categories: connectivity, education, access, data, contamination, efficiency/economy, and circularity. Each recommendation's estimated per capita cost was considered as well. In this process, a shortlist of 13 investments rose to the top as strong options to improve the regional recycling system in Northwestern Indiana. Both lists can be found in the report and here. Details on the prioritization process can be found on p. 130 of the report.
LONGLIST
Wi-Fi, Phones, Laptops for SWMDs
External surveillance cameras
Pilot In-bin cameras (1x bin)
Pilot IoT integrated user feedback terminals
Form Dual-County District(s)
Adopt provisions for inclusion of multi-family homes
Increase size, standardize, and add labels to all curbsid bins
Add drop offs as financially feasible
Consider Use of Compaction for High Use Drop offs
Install freestanding or magnetized signage at drop offs
Rebuild local Frankfort MRF (Werner & Son)
OCC Baler for City of Frankfort St. Dept
OCC Storage Unit for Carroll Co
Glass Collection at SWMD Recycling Centers
Additional loading docks - White Co Recycling Ctr
Horizontal Baler - Pulaski Co Recycling Ctr
Additional Processing Capacity for Dual County District as identified
Address Plastics #3, 4, 6, 7 (drop or send to Brightmark)
Expand Polypropylene Collection
Increase Aluminum Capture Rates
Co-Develop Robust Retail Drop offs for LDPE Film
Food Waste Diversion Programs
Update Service Provider Responsibilities in Ed, Data, Anti-Contam.
Join Muncipal Measurement Program
Host dedicated recycling page & post social media
Tiered, tactical anti-contamination campaigns using direct mailers & tags
Preventative maintenance against contamination via direct mailers
Target functional usage area of drop offs with anti-contamination messaging
Target renters, landlords, revolving student population
Review & adopt pre-developed media and content kits
Connect boards and community officials to educational opportunities
Education residents, K-college students, policy makers, on circular economy (CE)
Indirect advocacy for stronger circular economy stances and policies via state & nat'l recycling organization
Partner on innovative projects that harnessing local resources like CE incubators at university
Convene and connect regionally to map out recycling system's circularity, waste, and leakage
Encourage zero waste options and use of durables at local businesses
Educate individuals on zero waste alternatives
Separate, treat and compost organic MRF residuals
Incinerate MRF residuals at WTE facility
Establish a methane emission capture & reuse system at local landfill
Use lidded curbside bins to prevent litter
Switch to renewables energy for all fossil fueled assets in regional recycling system
Switch to green tires & do regular checks on collection fleets
Implement low cost ways to positively and memorably reframe user interaction at recycling centers
Model recycling centers as living labs for regenerative, circular ecosystems
SHORTLIST
This shortlist is not ordered based on impact, rather in order of appearance in the full report.
Wi-Fi, Phones & Laptops for Solid Waste Management Districts
Pilot IoT Integrated User Feedback Terminals
Form Dual County District(s)
Increase Size, Standardize, and add Labels to all Curbside Bins
Rebuild local MRF Werner & Son in Frankfort, IN
Build a Cardboard Storage Unit for Carroll County
Segregated Glass Collection at SWMD Recycling Centers
Address Plastics #3, 4, 6, & 7 in all Collection Programs
Expand & Target Polypropylene & Aluminum Collection
Co-develop Robust Retail Drop offs for LDPE Film
Develop Regional Food Waste Diversion Programs
Internalize and Strengthen Dedicated Websites & Social Media Pages
Convene and Connect to Map out Recycling System's Circularity, Waste, and Leakage.
The short-term purpose of the recommendations resultant from this study is to provide a roadmap for future grant-funded investments in the region. The long-term motivation is to:
help Indiana reach its 50% recycling goal and strengthen our state’s circular economy;
reduce contamination and increase the composition value of the regional residential recycling stream;
increase the regional recycling rate, capture rate, and participation rate; and
increase the efficiency, financial viability, vitality, and sustainability of recycling programs in the region.
Recommendations also take into account the goals and values of our project funder, WHIN, who created the Regional Cultivation Fund to invest in innovative, place-making projects that increase education, vitality, and prosperity in the region.