Many recycling bins are designed to be easily recognizable, and are marked with slogans promoting recycling on a blue or green background. Others are intentionally unobtrusive. Bins are sometimes different colors so that user may differentiate between the types of materials to be placed in them. While there is no universal standard, the color blue is commonly used to indicate a bin is for recycling in public settings.
Recycling bins are a common element of municipal kerbside collection programs, ecological which frequently distribute the bins to encourage participation.
Container deposit legislation involves offering a refund for the return of certain containers, typically glass, plastic, and metal. When a product in such a container is purchased, a small surcharge is added to the price. This surcharge can be reclaimed by the consumer if the container is returned to a collection point. These programs have been very successful, often resulting in an 80 percent recycling rate. Despite such good results, the shift in collection costs from local government to industry and consumers has created strong opposition to the creation of such programs in some areas.
The construction industry may recycle concrete and old road surface pavement, selling their waste materials for profit.
Certain public areas such as parks have litter bins which are placed alongside paths frequently walked by visitors. Ecological This encourages people to avoid littering, as littering creates an unhealthy and aesthetically unpleasant social environment.