THIS TOOLKIT IS PROVIDED BY RECYCLE, MICHIGAN—AN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH INITIATIVE OF THE MICHIGAN RECYCLING COALITION
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DECISION MAKERS
General Guidance and Checklists
Those of us in the waste and recycling industry are generally excited about the potential opportunities of recycling and how we could more positively impact the communties we serve. Whether you represent the public or private sector, educating elected officials on the critical role of recycling and waste diversion is essential.
Key Points for Consideration on Materials Management and Waste Disposal Services:
Curbside collection: The collection and handling of material for recycling, composting, or disposal can have an outsized impact on communities as these are some of the most visible public services provided to residents.
These are essential public services and ensure the health and safety of a community and provide resources for further manufacturing.
These services are often the municipality's largest expense, whether services are contracted or municpally run.
Elected officials and decision-makers will hear from displeased residents about disruptions and challenges with these services.
These services can create meaningful local and regional employment opportunities in public and private sectors. Elected officials and other decision-makers must strike a balance between serving the needs of the community and avoiding interference with business opportunities in materials management.
Recycling and composting are often viewed through the lens of conservation; however, when presenting to elected officials and other decision-makers, framing recycling as a materials management tool that helps save money and provides feedstock for businesses is often a more practical approach.
Program costs can be reduced by either revenue from sales of recycled commodities or by avoiding the cost of waste disposal. Consider highlighting landfill tipping fee savings from disposal avoidance thanks to recycling.
Avoid talking about the monetary value of recyclables because prices for recyclables can change quickly. Local government decision-makers rely on things they can count on like landfill diversion and tipping fee avoidance.
General Guidance for Gaining Support for Recycling Programs and/or New Recycling Initiatives
Elected officials and local government administrators have many competing demands on their time and budgets. Make their job easy by providing clear, easy-to-understand points.
They recognize that those staffers involved in waste and recycling perform a valuable service for the community but often see it as one of those "silent" services performed in the background and not something that's going to win them votes in the next election cycle or, in the case of administration, not something they can issue a glowing press release about - unless it addresses a known community need.
Your focus when presenting to either administration or elected officials is to present a known problem and explain how the action or program you are proposing will address that need.
You also need to be aware of where the decision-makers stand on recycling, conservation, and other sustainability initiatives. The approach that works with a conservation enthusiast is different from the approach you would take with someone more interested in economic growth/devlelopment.
Items to Consider Before a Meeting with Administrators or Elected Officials:
YOUR PURPOSE:
Are you proposing a solution to a known problem or need?
Are you suggesting a new initiative?
Are you aware of and understand budget implications?
YOUR ROLE:
Are you empowered in your position to speak with elected officials?
Are you the appropriate person to deliver the message?
Wil the meeting be one-on-one or in a larger city council or other meeting setting?
YOUR AUDIENCE:
What motivates them?
• Environment?
• Community growth?
• Budget?
What is their knowledge and experience with recycling, composting, and waste diversion?
• Tours & quick videos can help
• Provide them with key data points (email or handout)
YOUR OUTCOME:
Is it an opportunity for positive media attention? If so, connect with your communications representative to plan accordingly, given the lead time for approvals.
Is it an opportunity for a public-private partnership? Meeting a community need without additional government resources and creating jobs is a big plus.
Are there environmental justice factors with the surrounding community that should be considered before approaching decision-makers or elected officials?
Start Small
- Declare a proclamation for America Recycles Day (November 15), Earth Day (April 22), International Composting Awareness Week (May 5-9) or National Learn About Composting Day (May 29)
- This helps you to get in front of the elected officials regularly throughout the year.
- It is a photo opportunity for them.
- Proclamations may also allow you to showcase successes from that year.
- Invite all elected officials to a tour of a material recovery facility (MRF) or a local recycling or composting end market.
- Recognize elected officials for attending a recycling or waste diversion educational event to inspire others.
- Do your research on whether the elected official is on social media, follow them, and engage with their content. Engage helpfully with ideas, resources, and information that leads people to the solution you'd like to see.