The short answer is: don’t try to “train” people with more instructions. Design the situation so the right behavior feels obvious, easy, and normal. Most people don’t litter because they love mess—they do it because the bin is confusing, full, hidden, or socially invisible. So I’d focus on cues, convenience, and positive social pressure rather than scolding signs.
First, make correct use almost automatic. Put bins where people naturally pause—near crossings, bus stops, food stalls, park exits, and benches. Use clear openings that match the waste stream, simple color coding, foot pedals, and lids that show what goes where. If the area around the bin is clean, people treat it with more care; if it’s already messy, they’re more likely to add to it. Maintenance is part of training.
Second, use social norms instead of commands. A small line like “Most people here keep this spot clean” works better than “Do not litter.” You can also use visual cues: footprints leading to the bin, a clean-area photo, or a simple majority message. People copy what they think others do, especially in public spaces.
Third, add tiny feedback loops. A bin that says “Thanks—that’s one less piece of litter” or a playful “feed me” opening can change behavior without nagging. Gamified bins, deposit-return points, or charity donations for sorted waste can help too, but keep them simple. The moment it feels like homework, people opt out.
Fourth, recruit people, not signs. Community ambassadors, event volunteers, shop owners, and school groups can model behavior and answer questions casually. Peer influence is powerful when it feels friendly, not enforcement-heavy. Let residents help design or “adopt” a bin, name it, or decorate it. Ownership beats instruction.
Finally, measure hotspots and iterate. If people are putting trash next to the bin, ask why: Is it full? Is the opening awkward? Is the location wrong? Fix the environment before blaming the public. Replace nagging with clear affordances, positive cues, and visible upkeep. When the clean choice is the easy choice—and the normal choice—people usually make it without being told.