That's a fantastic question, and something every community manager or city planner thinks about! The key isn't just having both bins, but making it incredibly easy and intuitive for people to use them correctly. Here’s what works best in practice.
First, never separate them. Always place recycling and trash bins side-by-side as a paired "waste station." If people have to walk different directions to dispose of items, contamination (trash in recycling and vice versa) skyrockets. Proximity is rule number one.
Next, clarity is everything. Use universal, picture-based signage with simple words (e.g., "Plastic Bottles & Cans," "Landfill Waste"). Relying on small text or vague recycling symbols leads to confusion. Color-coding is powerful—using blue for recycling and black or gray for trash is widely recognized. Ensure the signage is on both sides of the bin and on the lid.
Design for the user's journey. Place these paired stations at natural decision points: next to park benches, at entrances/exits, near food concession areas, and along major walkways. The bins should be visible and on the direct path of travel.
Finally, choose the right hardware. Use identical, durable bin designs but with different colored lids or bodies to distinguish them. Ensure openings are tailored to the waste stream (e.g., a round hole for bottles on the recycling bin). For high-traffic areas, consider larger, centralized stations with multiple streams (like compost), but keep the pairing logic consistent.
The goal is to make the right choice the easiest choice. Consistent, clear, and convenient placement dramatically increases proper recycling rates and keeps public spaces cleaner for everyone.