Choosing the Perfect Recycling Bin for Your Rezbin Program

A common question we hear from clients implementing the Rezbin system is: "What recycling bin should we use?"

Choosing the right bin is crucial for the success of your recycling efforts. The goal is to make recycling as easy and intuitive as possible for people, while making contamination difficult. Here is our guide to selecting the best bins for your Rezbin program.

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🔑 Core Principles for Rezbin Bin Selection

When choosing your recycling receptacle, keep these key principles in mind to ensure high participation and low contamination:

• Distinct Separation is Key: The recycling bin must be visually and physically separate from the other waste bins (landfill/trash, biodegradable, etc.). Avoid placing them right next to each other unless using a "Twinning Bins" system (see below).

• Differentiate the Look: The more the recycling bin stands out, the better! It should not look like a trash bin. Use different colors, shapes, and especially, different types of lids to signal its unique purpose.

• Label by Destination: Clear labeling is essential. Instead of generic terms like "Waste" or "Garbage," label your bins based on where the contents go: Recyclable, Landfill, and Biodegradable (if you have one).

The Best Lid Style: Why a Lift Lid is Preferred

For your recycling bin, we strongly recommend a lift lid or a similarly unique and intentional opening mechanism.

• Recycling is Intentional: Recycling is an intentional behavior. By requiring users to use two hands—one to lift the lid and one to place the recyclable—you ensure they are actively thinking about their actions. They are "donating" their recyclables with intention.

• The Path of Least Resistance: Users who are not intentional about recycling will naturally throw their waste into the easiest, most convenient bin they find. This is typically the trash bin. A simple push-lid or open-hole bin makes contamination too easy.

• Landfill Bin Counterpart: For your accompanying landfill/trash bin, it's best practice to use an easier lid type like a push-style lid, a simple hole, or an open top. This makes it the path of least resistance for general waste, leaving the recycling bin for intentional use.

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🚦 Best Practices for High-Traffic Public Spaces: "Twinning Bins"

For locations with high foot traffic, such as food courts, lobbies, or busy transit areas, the "Twinning Bins" model is the best practice:

Bin Type	Recommended Lid/Feature	Purpose & Rationale
Recyclable	Lift Lid or unique opening that’s slightly more difficult to open	Intentional Disposal. Requires effort, signaling that the user must choose this bin with purpose.
Landfill/Trash	Push-style lid or simple hole	Path of Least Resistance. Allows for quick, unintentional disposal of non-recyclable waste.

By using different lid styles for the two bins, you are immediately guiding user behavior and reducing cross-contamination.

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📈 Starting Simple: A Phased Approach to Sorting

For establishments new to the Rezbin program (or any recycling program), don't feel the need to start with overly complex sorting:

• Beginner's Approach: Start with one bin for all types of recyclables. This simplifies the process for your users and helps build the habit of separating recyclables from trash. Use clear signage that says "All Recyclables" and “Clean Recyclables Only”

• Advanced Approach: As your establishment gets better at recycling, participation rates rise, and you see high compliance, you can then add more bins to separate specific types of recyclables (e.g., Paper/Cardboard, Cans/Metals, Plastics).

By choosing a bin that is visually distinct and requires intentional use (like a lift lid), you set your Rezbin program up for long-term success.