WCC commingled recycling campaign gets the Plain English Campaign Crystal Mark

We have had a long relationship with Wolverhampton City Council (WCC) and Enterprise, one of the UK’s largest service providers, who deliver the Council’s waste services throughout the City. You may have already read our WCC case study that details our communication planning, rebranding and introducing a complete service change. If not, take a look at the WCC case study.

Recycling service change campaign billboard

Our latest work with WCC/Enterprise has involved the introduction of a new commingled recycling service – this is an extension to last years introduction of food waste and completes their major service changes. Up to now residents have sorted cans, glass, newspapers and magazines into a recycling box. Cardboard and plastic bottles were put into a separate reusable bag and residual waste was put into a 240 litre wheeled bin. In the new scheme the current residual bin will be used for the commingled collection of all recyclables and a new 180 litre bin has been provided for the weekly residual waste collection.

This could have caused some confusion if the communications didn’t deliver the service change clearly.

It was decided to use a blanket approach with both targeted and broader communications techniques. Refuse bins had stickers, explaining the changes, stuck to their lids. Introductory leaflets were delivered to every house. They were enclosed in envelopes that also contained new collection calendars.

To raise the profile of the changes further, billboards, Adshels, newspaper advertising, vehicle livery, exhibition stands and pop up displays were used to reinforce the message.

Recycling service change campaign instructional leaflet

With the delivery of the new refuse bins the delivery crews also posted instructional leaflets through each letterbox.

We always recommend a thorough and well planned approach of this kind when introducing new services. This leads to householders understanding how to use the new service meaning less time wasted by both the Council and the contractor.