The Method Recycling System Explained

The Method System

The Method System is a collection of bins and accessories designed to increase recycling and reduce waste. It starts with aesthetically pleasing bins that meet local requirements or can be customized. This is complemented by signage, connectors, a desktop waste and recycling solution, and a commitment to making a difference.

Colour-Coded Bins for Efficient Recycling

Colour-coded bins for every space are provided. Method's sixty and twenty-litre bins create flexible recycling stations that can be consistently placed throughout any space. Removing desk bins or lone general waste bins eliminates easily accessible general waste options. Instead, users are encouraged to make the right choice each time they dispose of waste. The colour-coded bins help build an unconscious association between recyclables and their appropriate bins.

The Method Sixty Litre bins are suitable for large open-plan spaces such as office floors, event spaces, or hallways. The Twenty Litre bins are designed for smaller shared spaces like meeting rooms, studios, or receptions – anywhere a lone general waste bin might typically be found.

Recycling can be confusing, even for experienced recyclers. Therefore, vertical recycling signs are positioned behind the bins to assist users in accurately separating their waste. Alternatively, full-front vinyl labels can be applied if space behind the bins is limited. Recycling bin signage plays a crucial role in education and behaviour change, resulting in reduced contamination rates and cleaner, better-separated recyclables.

Method Connectors and Precyclers

Method Connectors lock bins together side-by-side, back-to-back, or to a wall. This secures the bins and prevents cleaners from rearranging them, which is especially helpful in high-traffic areas. Connectors also attach vertical signage to create a free-standing station.

Removing desk bins is an effective way to reduce landfill waste. Method Precyclers offer a desktop waste solution. Two Precyclers are placed together to encourage waste separation before emptying into a nearby recycling station. Precyclers also reduce the need for plastic liners, lowering cleaning costs.

Real-World Results

McConnell Dowell, an industry-leading construction company, implemented a 5-stream solution across its WPA project sites in Australia. With vertical signage, McConnell Dowell's investment resulted in an approximately 80% reduction in landfill waste within the first week of implementing the 5-bin system. Custom signage, education, and encouragement exceeded expectations, reducing contamination rates to an incredible 2%.

Financial Benefits

Waste is often viewed as a fixed expense, but effective recycling can reduce waste bills. This is particularly relevant as waste levies increase and incentives like container deposit schemes expand. The Australian National Maritime Museum, for example, projects annual savings of approximately $22,000 by using the Method System.

Sustainable Manufacturing

Method's bins are designed and manufactured in New Zealand. This allows for control over energy use, material quality, and production processes. The bins are designed to meet the needs of everyone involved in an organization's waste and recycling process, from CEOs to users and cleaners. The patented Bag Retainer System, developed through collaboration with cleaners, keeps liners in place and concealed, making bin changes quick and easy.

Method bins are made from pure polypropylene (PP) or #5 plastic, chosen for its strength and durability, and compatibility with the injection molding process. The bins are fully sealed to prevent leaks and are fully recyclable in a circular fashion. Initially made from virgin materials to ensure recyclability, Method now incorporates recycled materials. The Sixty Litre bins now contain 50% recycled materials, and the black components of the Twenty Litre bins are 100% post-consumer, New Zealand-sourced recycled materials. The company continues to strive for greater use of recycled materials in all components.

Product Stewardship

Method believes in reuse before recycling and supports organizations doing good work. Used bins are refurbished and donated to kindergartens, environmental organizations, and charities. In New Zealand, broken bins are recycled domestically. In Australia and the UK, the company is working with local recyclers to manage end-of-life bin recycling.

"We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." – Anne Marie Bonneau, Zero Waste Chef. Method embodies this concept, striving to create infrastructure that enables large-scale positive change.