If recyclable materials are not sorted as required, what should sanitation workers do?

Leaving a note for the resident is the appropriate action when recyclable materials are not sorted as required. This practice serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it informs the residents about the proper sorting requirements for recyclables, promoting better recycling habits in the future. It helps to educate the community about the importance of following recycling guidelines, which can enhance overall recycling efforts and reduce contamination in the recycling stream.

Additionally, leaving a note may encourage residents to become more attentive to their recycling practices, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness concerning waste disposal. This educational approach is more constructive than merely collecting the improperly sorted materials or involving law enforcement, both of which do not address the root cause of the issue. By communicating directly with the residents, sanitation workers play a vital role in enhancing community engagement and compliance with recycling protocols.