Ensuring trash and recycling makes it into proper receptacles is important because it prevents pollution, reduces the need to harvest new raw materials, and is critical for reducing runoff of materials into the ocean

Human factors plays a key role when considering the design of these recepticles and their environment to encourage adoption

Some ways in which Human Factors can encourage people to utilize these bins are to:

1. Make clear what materials can be recycled, and where they go by using large clear words, pictures, colors, among other design features

2. Design recycling bins to discourage people from adding trash by providing small holes for cans, or designing the lid to resemble recycleable-specific features

3. Ensure trash cans are easy to use, clearly marked, and placed in an easily accessible locations next to the recycling bins for user convenience

4. Educate the public continuously on the importance of good recycling habits and ensure positive messaging around recycling to show what can be recycled and how

This is just one of the many ways in which Human Factors can contribute to ensure minimal waste makes it to the ocean

To donate to #teamseas or to find out more about the #teamseas campaign, visit teamseas.org

Guest read by Lab Member Katie Sabo