Village of Lincoln Heights
Recycling Outreach Plan 2013
Lincoln Heights Demographics and Background
The Village of Lincoln Heights is a small village 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.
1
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 can subscribe 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, three Lincoln 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:
2
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
3
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.
4
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
RRI funds for Village.
Save money through reduced garbage bag use.
Create jobs- the recycling industry supports many jobs in Ohio.
Reduce pollution- cleaner air and water.
Conserve energy- making materials from recycled material consumes less energy than using
virgin resources.
Save resources- using recycled feedstock leaves more of our natural resources for future
generations
Save space in landfills- recycling allows our local landfills to have a longer life.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Preserving the environment for future generations.
5
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.
I.
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.
II.
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
6
installed. The District recommends a two-sided sign that says “Community Recycling Drop-off” with
an arrow.
III.
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.
IV.
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.
V.
Keep recycling in the forefronts of residents’ minds by including recycling articles in all
available print and web media.
A. 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.
B. Present to the Lincoln Heights Village Council about recycling.
C. 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.
D. Submit an article to the Cincinnati Herald and the Princeton enews weekly community spotlight.
E. Post recycling information in the message centers at the gardens and walking trail.
F. 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.
VI.
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
May
II
III
IV
V
VI
Improve Drop-Off
Community Events
School education
Articles, website, church bulletin, businesses
Promoting Backyard Composting
One, Two, Three,
Four, Five
Two, Four
One, Two
One, Two
One, Two
One
April
On-going
Spring and Fall
May
Spring and Fall
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.
7
4. Taking recyclables to the drop-off during designated hours.
Lincoln Heights Timeline
Month
February
March
April
May
Task
Meet with Lincoln Heights
Write Outreach Plan
Approve outreach plan
Work on direct mail/ postcard
Improve drop-off location
Improve drop-off signage
Photoshoot for poster
Design poster
Set up compost demonstration area
Research recycling bags
Promote backyard composting seminars
Put together mailing list for direct mail
Put together list of churches to target
Write text and contact churches about bulletin
Prominently display recycling on website
Contact churches about recycling at work
Schedule school programs/ RAP
Present to Village Council
Send out recycling guides
Post information at garden message centers
Post information at the Lincoln Heights Health
Center
June
July
August
Evaluate success Jan-June
September Write articles for print publications
Labor day festival booth
October
Fall composting workshop at demonstration area
November
December Evaluate success Jan-Dec
Person Responsible
Michelle, Stephanie
Michelle
Stephanie
Michelle/ Belinda/ Megan
Michelle/ Stephanie
Michelle/ Belinda
Michelle/ Belinda
Belinda
Michelle/ Stephanie
Michelle
Michelle/ Stephanie
Michelle
Amanda
Michelle
Stephanie
Michelle/ Catherine
Cher/ Jenny
Michelle/ Stephanie
Michelle/ Belinda
Michelle
Michelle
Michelle
Amanda
Michelle/Jenny/Amanda
Michelle
Michelle
8
Evaluating Effectiveness
The goal of this program is to increase recycling participation and recycling in the Village of Lincoln
Heights. The success towards this goal is easily measured using the recycling and waste numbers
reported through the Residential Recycling Incentive program. Aside from the overall recycling rate, the
District will measure the success of the individual strategies as well.
Overall Evaluation
The District will measure the tons recycled and the recycling rate through the RRI program and
compare those numbers with 2012 Second Period data. In the second period of 2012, Village residents
landfilled 623.99 tons and recycled 3.55 tons with a recycling rate of 0.56%.
The goal after the outreach campaign is to increase tons recycled by 50% and achieve a 0.84%
recycling rate in one year.
Strategy Specific Evaluation
Strategy
I
Send Direct Mail Piece
II
Improve Drop-Off
III
IV
Community Events
School education
V
Articles, website, and church bulletin
VI
Promoting backyard composting
Evaluation
# households reached
New site location
Improved signage
# Events
# assemblies
% students reached
# articles printed
# posted information
# LH residents attending workshops
# compost demonstration areas
Goal
95%
Completed
Installed
2
1
90
3
3
20
1
Budget
Item
Cost
Drop-Off Signage
$60
Printing of recycling guides
$0
Postage cost for mailing of recycling guides
$300
Blue chip costs for direct mail
$110
Printing of special postcards
$200
Recycling bags
$500
Mailing and postage for post cards
$300
Compost demonstration area
$100
Total
$1570
9