WASTE AND RECYCLING COMMUNICATION, ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION

Checklist One: Taking Stock

When formalising a new approach, the first step is to take stock of the current communications approaches, services and contractual obligations for each of the merging councils. This will lead into the development of a consolidated approach.

Activity / Starting Point for Discussion / Council 1 / Council 2 / Points of difference
What / What information is currently communicated?
This can include:
-  Programs promoted (e.g. Love Food Hate Waste, Garage Sale trail)
-  Services promoted:
-  Kerbside collection, including materials, frequency etc
-  Bulky waste collection, including materials, frequency etc
-  Drop off locations / other facilities that accept material
-  Enforcement activities undertaken by the council (for example dob in a dumper)
-  Fees and charges explanation
What resources are available / allocated to this activity?
Considerations include:
-  Staff resources
-  Financial resources
-  External funding of specific programs (e.g. Waste Less Recycle More initiative)
Who / Who communicates information internally?
-  Which business unit/s has responsibility for creating, approving and/or dispensing waste communications?
-  Who is the target audience for the communications?
-  What role is expected of council’s customer service regarding waste communications?
Who communicates information externally?
-  Council
-  Contractors who undertake a service
Who is the target audience for the communications?
How / What is the current approach to communicating?
This includes:
-  Conveying information
-  Promoting behaviour change
Is specific branding used?
Examples include:
-  Waste Less Recycle More (EPA)
-  Council developed brand
How are the messages communicated?
Methods include:
-  Workshops
-  Rates notice
-  Social media
-  Websites
-  Community groups
-  Radio
-  Bill boards & posters
-  Shops
-  Newspaper advertisements
-  Media releases
-  Brochures / letter box drops
-  Waste calendars
-  Customer Service
Measure / Is the effectiveness of communications measured?
-  Customer feedback
-  Contamination rates
-  Contractor feedback
-  Yields and compositional analysis
-  Annual surveys of council services
-  Behaviour / attitudes analysis

1