That's a great question! Getting the labels right on your outdoor bins is super important for making recycling easier for everyone. Here’s what I’ve found works best, based on both practicality and helping people make the right choice quickly.
First, clarity is king. Use simple words like "TRASH" and "RECYCLING" in large, bold letters. Avoid small fonts or vague terms. Pictures are incredibly helpful. A graphic of a bottle/can on the recycling bin and a graphic of a bag of trash on the trash can transcend language barriers and make sorting intuitive.
Color-coding is a powerful, universal cue. While colors can vary by region, a common and effective scheme is blue for recycling and black or gray for trash. Stick to one color per bin type consistently.
For outdoor durability, material matters. Standard paper labels will fade and peel. Instead, use laminated signs, waterproof vinyl stickers, or even engraved plastic/metal plaques. You can also use permanent marker on a designated label area of the bin itself.
Strategic placement is key. Put labels on both the lid and the front of the bin, so they're visible whether the lid is open or closed. If you manage multiple bins, label each one clearly rather than relying on a single sign nearby.
Finally, include brief instructions on the recycling bin if space allows, like "Empty & Rinse Cans & Bottles. No Plastic Bags." This reduces contamination. The goal is to make the correct choice the easiest choice right at the point of disposal.