Rhode Island Puts in New Recycling Labels to Help Boost Rates

Krystal Noiseux, education and outreach manager for RIRRC, hopes these new labels will help keep trash out of recycling. More trash has ended up in recycling bins ever since the state switched to single stream recycling about four years ago. Contaminated recyclables have to be redirected to the landfill.

“We decided we needed to take a more simple approach with how we’re educating about recycling,” said Noiseux. “And instead of always shooting for the stars... we asked, 'What is the most bare bones simple information we can get out there that will produce cleaner, good recycling?'"

RIRRC came up with four basic categories: 1) paper, cardboard and cartons; 2) metal, cans, lids and foil; 3) glass, bottles and jars; 4) and plastics containers.

“If you just stick to those four categories and do nothing else, you’re going to produce good quality recycling,” said Noiseux.