Recycling at camp

I think ES bin men is a great idea too! The only thing that makes a difference in the end is accountability. I would be happy to help with this also if it goes ahead. I did have one other thought which was: One challenge we have with waste on camp is sometimes not having the right equipment/facilities in our circle in terms of bins. Some circles may not have a good shelter or utility area in which to store their bins. Many times I've seen a wet recycling bag tied to a gazebo pole and the general waste the same. Im sure this doesn't help people feel positive about their bins and do things right- once its difficult to get to and wet etc. Is it time ES supplies each circle with a green and black wheelie bin/trash can? I know it might be a bit of an expense but it might also make a real difference to the way ppl deal with their waste on site.

Intresting ideas coming out. 2 things
1. I did recycled art with the children years ago and while its a great idea using it to make art and create awareness, i found the final product once taped and glued and cut up ended up in the bin rather then the recycling or went back to tents and at the end of camp ended up in the bin or scattered about the field.
2. The bins for circles is a good idea. Even just the metal wire type ones that the bag clips into could be welded up easily by someone. Like the picture but they usually have a round top.

I know what you mean Ziva, Its important that whatever we might make with the recycling is easily recyclable as an end product, or made to a standard that it will be kept and used. I think high quality decorations would be really good like strings of solar fairy lights with milk bottle shades, or up cycled tent fabric bunting. things like that that can be used again next year.
Re bins: We could talk to Padraig- its highly likely that the ingenious ppl on site crew could fashion something suitable. Im thinking a piece of pvc piping bent in a circle with sections of hose /pipe cut to act as a clips to hold the bag down. But the lid is pretty essential to stop the rain...

Yes, good point. I've often seen the plastic bin bags wet and flapping in the wind. Hard to actually look inside and actually distinguish what rubbish goes in which bag. It has to be easy to pop open and close so people can use it.

Re recycled art: It does seem a shame to turn perfectly recyclable material into something that ends up painted and glued and then in the waste bin. We discussed this last year when we were brainstorming ideas, and I agree with Emily that if it is good quality and something people will keep using, it would be great. Otherwise it needs to be able to be taken apart and recycled again. We have discussed this with some of the workshop leaders who will be using the area, and they think this would be possible

Re bins: This has been something that has come up for a number of years now, and has been a challenge to find a suitable solution to. The main issue being storage at the end of camp. The sheds are quite full, and adding 30 bins to that might be a challenge. The ones in your picture Ziva look like they are fold up, something like that could work? I'll have a look online to see if I could find something.

Hey Guys, a couple of ideas: for those who might have time to spare there is a 'zero waste training day' being offered by LYCS in Dublin (sustainable development NGO) I got in touch about their last day but there was no availability. Turns out Rachel Dempsey emailed me back ( she's been to earthsong last year) and said she'd love to have me (and possibly others too) on the next training. Heres the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/2073720192856498/
Would be a good opportunity for us to get our heads together on the issue

Also, was discussing bins on camp issue with Sam (runs Another Love Story festival in Meath) They hire all their wheelie bins and skips from Bord na Mona for their festival. He said it wasn't a big expense and they come and collect and of course remove the bins afterwards. It would mean each circles could have adequate bins but site crew would not have to assemble, clean & store them. But I know the ES likes to keep renting equipment to a minimum so this may not suit in our case...

Great Emily, I would definitely be interested in the training day. I think the renting is a good option - it eliminates big lack plastic bags - gives people easier options to recycle - a system they are used to and therefore more likely to do on camp. And renting means no one owns them, don't need to buy bins, so would align with the sustainable approach. Can you find out how much they are to rent?

That training day sounds great! I wish I was in Ireland for it. I will keep an eye out for similar events here, though the zero waste movement doesn't seem as strong in spain.. (yet!)
Regarding the wheelie bins, that could be a very good idea. I've looked on their website and can find info about hiring skips, but can't find anything about hiring wheelie bins.. I'll get in touch with Padraig, and if it sounds like it might be an option, I'll send Bord na Mona an email.

So the exact company details are AES at https://www.aesirl.ie