SIUE’s Ayonronmi Works to Improve Madison County Recycling Programs
After evaluating Madison County’s recycling programs that were initiated about 30 years ago, ways to upgrade and expand efforts were determined. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville environmental science management graduate student Omasan Ayonronmi collaborated with the Madison County Planning and Development Department to study the recycling habits and knowledge of its residents.
“It was an insightful experience involving data gathering and analysis of recycling data from the county,” Ayonronmi said. “The result of this work helped the county identify possible areas for improvement in its waste management practices. Specifically, in collaboration with county officials, we identified a few ways to improve community participation in the county recycling drop-off stations.”
By collecting data from surveys posted at all seven Madison County recycling sites, Ayonronmi determined there is a need for increased education and participation in the recycling program. She proposed several methods to increase awareness, including announcements in local newspapers, social media, emails, welcome packets for new residents, and signage at intersections to direct residents to the recycling centers.
Additionally, Ayonronmi suggested the implementation of an “oops tag” system, which is used in Kirkland, Wash., to educate residents when non-recyclable materials have been placed in residential recycling bins.
Now that the project is completed, Ayonronmi will continue her work in educating the public about recycling. “I will continue in the work of sensitizing the community on recycling materials to reduce material contamination at the recycling drop-off stations,” she explained. “I will leverage my training at SIUE to continue to help communities and companies build an environmentally friendly planet.”
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SIUE environmental science management graduate student Omasan Ayonronmi.
