TRASH TALK

We, as human beings, produce trash. Despite our best efforts, we will continue to consume products that will be encased in non-compostable material like plastic, glass, and aluminum cans. So we do our best to recycle. From my personal observation, the main reason many do not recycle/ separate  trash is because it is inconvenient. It's simply easier to throw everything in one basket. In my neighborhood in Orange county, I see it often. The city provides two separate trash bins: one for non-recyclable trash, the other for recyclable trash but they are located in different corners of an outdoor plaza. So many people simply cannot be bothered to separate their trash which consist of recyclable and non-recyclables, and just throw everything in one of the trash bins. And YES! I've seen them throw EVERYTHING to the recycling bin. Look, I know we can't change human behavior with guilt or reprimand but I know we are more likely to do the right thing when it's convenient for us to do so. So how do we make it more convenient to do the right thing??

at Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain

This is what I see in spain, this picture was taken at San Sebastian, Spain. The trash bin, recycling bins, and compost bin are lined up next to each other. So you merely have to take one or two steps to separate your trash. Even though there are still going be some who simply do not care enough to separate, but majority will, BECAUSE IT IS CONVENIENT.

Trash Collection at San Sebastian, Spain

This is a video of how trash is handled in an old historical city in San Sebastian. Unlike the unsightly big open containers you see in some cities in the US, here, the big trash containers are unground. I understand, this is only possible because there is room to build this underground, out of sight (but, if NYC city can have subways, why can't it also have underground trash collection containers?) All citizens are accustomed to walk to the communal trash area to throw away their trash (and separate their recycling) and a medium-size trash truck will collect it. This is such a great solution to preserve the integrity of the historical oldtown while at the same time provide a solution that is convenient for the public who uses the services, and the city who services it. I truly believe for any new policy, systems, behavior to stick, it has to be convenient and simple to follow for all stakeholders.