Village of Lincoln Heights

Recycling Outreach Plan 2013

Lincoln Heights Demographics and Background

The Village of Lincoln Heights is a smallvillage with 3,286 residents located in north-central Hamilton County bordered by Woodlawn, Evendale, and Lockland. The population is 95.5% black and 1.7% white. The median household income is $19,834, below the Hamilton County average. Resident’s occupations are split between service occupations (29%), manufacturing (28%), and office occupations (26%). Most residents drive to work, with 19% reporting carpooling, 6% taking public transportation, and 5% walking.

Of the 1,287 households in Lincoln Heights, about 36.5% have children under the age of 18, which is higher than the Hamilton County average (30%). About 40% of the population is people living alone with only 10% of those “non-family” households being 65 or older. Eighty percent (80%) of the population have a high school degree or higher education, which is slightly lower than the Hamilton County’s average (88%). About 3% of the residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher which is significantly lower than the Hamilton County average of 33%.

Lincoln Heights has 31% of their homes owner-occupied with a median home value of $83,700. The majority of their housing stock was built before 1980 (88%).

Lincoln Heights has 5 to 6 strong community gardens that enjoy high participation among residents. The gardens grow mostly fruit and vegetables.

Lincoln Heights contracts for waste collection with Rumpke on behalf of their residents. In 2012 Rumpke offered subscription-based recycling in Lincoln Heights so if a resident wants to recycle, the resident cansubscribe with Rumpke for the separate service and pay an additional charge of approximately $3.75 per month, which is charged on a separate bill from Rumpke.As of February 2013, threeLincoln Heights households subscribe for curbside recycling.

In mid-2012, Lincoln Heights also added a recycling drop-off open on Tuesdays from 6 p.m-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Lincoln Heights staffs the drop-off during these times and allows residents to drop-off at no charge. The Village wants to have a supervised, staffed drop-off to avoid illegal dumping and theft of metals from the drop-off if it were open all the time. The location of the drop-off is also in an area that cannot be open to the public all the time because Village equipment and supplies (such as salt) are stored in the area.

Since Lincoln Heights began a recycling program in 2012, the baseline recycling rate will be the second period of 2012 which was 0.56%. Village residents landfilled 623.99 tons and recycled 3.54 tons in 2012.

Selecting Behavior and Identifying Barriers

Lincoln Heights residents can subscribe for curbside recycling through Rumpke Recycling or bring recyclables to the recycling drop-off. Currently, more residents participate in the recycling drop-off.

Drop-Off Recycling

The ACTIONS involved with drop-off recycling in Lincoln Heights include:

  1. Deciding recycling is a worthwhile activity.
  2. Figuring out that the Village offers a free recycling drop-off, what the hours are, and where the drop-off is located.
  3. Designating a container for recyclables and putting materials in the recycling container instead of the trash.
  4. Taking recyclables to the drop-off during designated hours.

Some residents in Lincoln Heights do not drive so a barrier to using the recycling drop-off would be the difficulty of transporting recyclables while walking. However, Lincoln Heights is a very walkable community so with the right container residents could walk their materials to a drop-off.

Action One: Deciding that recycling is a worthwhile activity

This action is a major barrier for residents to start recycling. Drop-off recycling is a very new program in Lincoln Heights and most of the residents do not recycle so it is not a normative behavior in the community. Some residents may bring paper to their church to recycle (Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist has a paper retriever fund-raiser program) or they may collect cans and other scrap metal to bring to a scrap dealer for cash.

Residents may not see the benefits of recycling and they need to see the benefits in order to decide it is worth their time and effort. This campaign will focus on the first two benefits, since feedback from residents suggest they will be stronger motivators than the environmental benefits. The benefits of recycling include:

  1. Financial reward for community- Lincoln Heights will receive more grant dollars for every ton residents recycle. These grant funds could be spent on items the community values, such as recycled-content park benches.
  2. Create jobs- the recycling industry supports many jobs in Ohio
  3. Reduce pollution- cleaner air and water
  4. Conserve energy- making materials from recycled material consumes less energy than using virgin resources
  5. Save resources- using recycled feedstock leaves more of our natural resources for future generations
  6. Save space in landfills- recycling allows our local landfills to have a longer life.

According to our 2008 and 2011 focus groups, residents face several real and perceived barriers to recycling. Residents may perceive separating waste as a hassle and something that is not worth their time. They may not feel their efforts really make a difference. They could also perceive recycling as messy. A major barrier for residents will be the additional charge for recycling. Another barrier is lack of space (whether real or perceived) for residents to separate recyclables in their kitchen.

To overcome these barriers, Lincoln Heights residents need to feel that recycling is important, that their efforts make a difference, and that recycling can be an easy part of everyday life. Residents need to see their neighbors and respected members of the community recycling.

Action Two: Figuring out that the Village offers a free recycling drop-off, what the hours are, and where the drop-off is located.

If a resident were to decide they wanted to begin recycling, they would then have to be aware that the free recycling drop-off exists and obtain more information about the drop-off. Because the program is new, neighbors may also be unaware of the drop-off. A resident would need to call the Village to get the information or they may learn of the drop-off after calling Rumpke or Hamilton County’s recycling hotline. The resident may also find the information on Hamilton County’s website.

To overcome this barrier, residents need this basic information at their finger tips and should be made aware of the option through multiple avenues. The more residents know this option exists, the more they can share it with their neighbors. Making the drop-off more visible to residents walking or driving by would also help overcome this barrier.

Action Three: Designating a container for recyclables and putting materials in the recycling container instead of the trash.

Residents choosing to use a recycling drop-off would need to purchase or designate a container in their home in which to collect recyclables. This container could be a paper bag, laundry basket, or small plastic bin. Without this prompt for recycling, residents may forget to keep the materials separate. Residents also need a container in which to transport the materials to the drop-off.

The action of putting recyclables into a separate container could be a barrier if residents do not store their recycling container next to their trash, making recycling more difficult than putting materials in the trash. Residents may also face a barrier at this action of not knowing what materials are recyclable. Incorporating lists of what is recyclable into the campaign as well as pieces like a refrigerator magnet to serve as a reminder would be helpful in breaking down barriers to this action. The flyer could also suggest places in the kitchen or garage that residents could store their recyclables. An additional step could be to supply containers (perhaps larger bags) designated for recycling. These containers could have a list of recyclables to act as an additional prompt.

Action Four: Taking recyclables to the drop-off during designated hours

Several barriers exist preventing residents from taking this action. First, many residents do not drive or do not have a vehicle in which to drive their recyclables to the drop-off. Lincoln Heights is a small walkable community but some residents may not want to carry recyclables to the drop-off.

Second, the drop-off currently has limited hours which may not be convenient for all residents. These barriers could be overcome by located one or more drop-offs in a convenient, visible location for residents to walk that could be open 24 hours a day.

Curbside Recycling

The ACTIONS involved with curbside recycling in Lincoln Heights include:

  1. Deciding recycling is a worthwhile activity.
  2. Figuring out that they have to subscribe with Rumpke for curbside service. Residents would have to talk to a neighbor, call the Village, or call Rumpke.
  3. Subscribing for recycling by calling 1-800-582-3107.
  4. Putting materials in the recycling container instead of the trash.
  5. Taking recyclables to the curb weekly on trash day.

Action One: Deciding that recycling is a worthwhile activity

See drop-off section above.

Action Two: Figuring out that they have to subscribe with Rumpke for curbside service.

Once residents choose to start recycling in Lincoln Heights, they have to figure out how to recycle. Rumpke gave a promotional piece to Lincoln Heights employees to pass out in 2012 with the details. However, several residents reported not receiving this piece so more information is needed. If residents didn’t save the piece they would have to call the Village or talk to a neighbor to learn that in order to recycle at the curb, they need to call Rumpke and subscribe for the service.

Action Three: Subscribing for Recycling.

Resident would have to call Rumpke Recycling at 1-800-582-3107 to subscribe for service. The service will cost the resident about $3.75 per month.

Action Four: Putting materials into the recycling container instead of the trash

See drop-off section above.

Action Four: Taking recyclables to the curb weekly on trash day.

This action may be a perceived barrier of being one more thing to do in a busy schedule. Residents may also forget and miss their trash day, likely meaning they would have no extra space in their bin for another week’s recyclables.

Benefits

Aside from the benefits of recycling listed under Action One, there are other tangible benefits to a resident recycling. Residents will reduce their use of garbage bags by recycling so they may save a small amount of money. The Village of Lincoln Heights receives funds back through the Residential Recycling Incentive program for resident’s recycling efforts, although residents are likely unaware of this benefit.

To recap, the primary benefits of recycling in Lincoln Heights are:

  1. RRI funds for Village.
  2. Save money through reduced garbage bag use.
  3. Create jobs- the recycling industry supports many jobs in Ohio.
  4. Reduce pollution- cleaner air and water.
  5. Conserve energy- making materials from recycled material consumes less energy than using virgin resources.
  6. Save resources- using recycled feedstock leaves more of our natural resources for future generations
  7. Save space in landfills- recycling allows our local landfills to have a longer life.
  8. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  9. Preserving the environment for future generations.

Strategy to Increase Recycling

The District proposes to take a two-pronged approach to outreach in Lincoln Heights. First, move the drop-off to a more visible location and promote the drop-off. Second, take advantage of the strong network and participation in community gardens to promote backyard composting.

Commingled Recycling Drop-Off

Research shows that offering either a free recycling drop-off or no cost curbside recycling is one of the best ways to improve access to recycling, break down financial barriers, and convince residents to start recycling. Lincoln Heights began a recycling drop-off in June of 2012 but the drop-off has restricted hours and is not in a highly visible location.

The District recommends that Lincoln Heights find a new location for the recycling drop-off in a highly visible, well-used location. The container could remain at the same site only moved closer to the entrance of the lot to allow more convenient access to residents. Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist currently hosts an Abitibi paper drop-off and may be amenable to also hosting a 6-yard commingled drop-off for the community. Since many residents are already used to bringing paper to the drop-off, bringing other recyclables would be a natural next step. Having a commingled drop-off next to the church’s Abitibi would also help the fundraiser and make the extra maintenance worth the church’s time.

Community Gardens and Backyard Composting

Lincoln Heights has 5 to 6 community garden locations with a high participation from residents. These gardens currently have limited, if any, composting. Since many residents are already engaged in the gardens, the District could set up a compost demonstration site in the most highly-used of the gardens and offer a hands-on education session about backyard composting.

Once composting becomes more visible, more residents are likely to adopt the behavior. In addition, once residents begin paying attention to their trash, they will naturally notice how many recyclables are thrown away (with proper education) and will be more likely to use the recycling drop-off or subscribe for recycling.

  1. Send a direct mail piece to all households in Lincoln Heights. Tout the benefits of recycling, that the drop-off is free, and include a list of what is recyclable and where the drop-off is located. Direct mail is the most cost effective way to make sure every household in Lincoln Heights receives the recycling message. The District could use the mailer sent in 2012 with the large magnet but would need a supplement to have more details about the drop-off.

The piece should include a magnet with a list of recyclables that residents can place on their refrigerator. This magnet will act as a prompt for recycling, reminding residents to put recyclables in the bin instead of the trash.

Focus on the tangible benefits and the ease of recycling.

  1. Improve Recycling Drop-off Signage and Visibility. If the drop-off is moved to a location open regular hours, then permanent signage directing residents to the drop-off from the street can be installed. The District recommends a two-sided sign that says “Community Recycling Drop-off” with an arrow.
  2. Promote Recycling at Community Events. Lincoln Heights hosts several community events including an annual labor day festival, the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Family Day, and a clean-up day where information could be shared with residents about recycling.
  1. Educate children about recycling. Focus on education in the Lincoln Heights Elementary. Offer programs and work to improve recycling at the school if needed. Offer the Jack Golden assembly if possible. Programs should involve pledge cards that children can take home to parents to pledge to recycle at home.
  1. Keep recycling in the forefronts of residents’ minds by including recycling articles in all available print and web media.
  1. Reach out to the churches in or very near Lincoln Heights. Offer Recycling at Work and ask the churches to put something in their church bulletin about recycling in Lincoln Heights.
  2. Present to the Lincoln HeightsVillage Council about recycling.
  3. Give recycling prominent placement on the Village’s website (VLHO.org).Lincoln Heights may be able to create a page just for recycling. Link to the District’s recycling campaign page.
  4. Submit an article to the Cincinnati Herald and the Princeton enews weekly community spotlight.
  5. Post recycling information in the message centers at the gardens and walking trail.
  6. Post information at the Lincoln Heights Health Center, Village Hall and other designated locations.This should include the creation of a poster with a resident recycler highlighted.
  1. Promote backyard composting. At the most visible and well-used community garden create a compost demonstration area with signage on how to start backyard composting. Several of the composting seminars are located near Lincoln Heights so these could be promoted to residents. A special workshop could be held at the compost demonstration area if community interest warranted. In addition to the recycling articles and recycling information posted, backyard composting information could also be promoted.

Strategy / Action Addressed / Timeline
I / Send Direct Mail Piece / One, Two, Three, Four, Five / May
II / Improve Drop-Off / Two, Four / April
III / Community Events / One, Two / On-going
IV / School education / One, Two / Spring and Fall
V / Articles, website, church bulletin, businesses / One, Two / May
VI / Promoting Backyard Composting / One / Spring and Fall

The ACTIONS involved with drop-off recycling in Lincoln Heights include: