And what about waste sorting?

Let's say it openly: we no longer have time to dawdle with sorting and wait for the legendary "others" to solve the problem of depleting resources and increasing environmental pollution. The issue of waste segregation by guests has repeatedly come up in discussions, so we decided to delve into the metaphorical lion's den and explore the topic. We started with a survey asking guests what makes waste sorting difficult and what makes it easier.

Although we didn't manage to achieve a representative sample for population inference (ultimately 118 respondents), the responses obtained show clear trends. We discuss them below.

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It turns out that as many as 97.5% of the respondents segregate waste at home (though not always meticulously), and the exact same percentage of people make an effort to segregate waste while traveling. This is a very positively inclined result—even in a declarative survey.

Even more optimistic news emerges from questions about what discourages Guests from segregating waste during trips. Topping the list with the force of a waterfall is:

• the lack of containers for 5 categories of waste—over 80% of respondents indicated this factor as the most significant hindrance,
• the lack of basic labeling on containers, e.g., "glass," "plastic and metal" (nearly 46% of responses).

This is a wonderful piece of news because theoretically, the problem of segregation among the majority of Guests can be solved during a quick trip to the nearby (e-)market. This is definitely the first step in the corrective plan.

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Another significant hindrance indicated by the respondents is:

• the location of bins only outside the building – 28.8%,
• the lack of instructions from the host—in the form of a conversation or at least an email—28%,
• the absence of a bin in the bathroom for sanitary waste – 25.4%.

The reported needs, i.e., what discourages and encourages guests to segregate waste, clearly correspond with each other (see Table 1 – beige background).

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Other reported hindrances include:

• lack of detailed description of bins, e.g., what waste to put in and what not to put in the paper bin – 16.9%,
• bins that require getting hands dirty when opened to dispose of waste (instead of bins opened by foot or with a movable flap) – 16.1%,
• bins for waste are too dirty – 11.9%,
• lack of bins for segregation in the garden, e.g., by the bonfire or grill – 9.3%,
• bins for segregation are available downstairs, which discourages guests from running up and down stairs with each individual piece of waste – 8.5%.

Additional factors hindering waste segregation:

• lack of spare trash bags for each type of waste – preferably a whole roll without dividing into pieces,
• discouragement by the sight of incorrectly or incompletely segregated waste in common bins,
• lack of external containers for taking out waste when it no longer fits in the bin,
• the fact that the Host, despite declarations, does not segregate waste or prevents guests from segregating independently.

Now let's take a look at the factors that significantly support guests' efforts, especially in the "holiday mode". We already know from Table 1 what basic actions the host should take to ensure effective waste segregation in the property. This includes, above all, five easily accessible and clearly labeled bins along with instructions on how to segregate waste, e.g., in the form of a poster, as well as a separate bin in the bathroom and a reminder about segregation in communication with the guests, mentioning your other eco-efforts as well. What else? Travelers say that they will also be encouraged to segregate by:

• bins available in the room/apartment or at least on the same floor – 26.1%,
• relatively clean bins – enough so that the smell does not force breathing only through the skin – 25.2%,
• bins that can be opened without dirtying hands (e.g., with a pedal or movable flap) are definitely a nice addition – supported by 23.5% of the surveyed group,
• almost 44% of guests would greatly appreciate instructions from the host about the obligation and method of waste segregation in the property, with 20.2% being satisfied with instructions received via email, and 18.5% preferring to receive such information shortly after arrival (directly or at least by phone).

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It is very comforting to observe that as many as 58.5% of respondents confirmed receiving such instructions, however, only in the case of 28.8% was it done satisfactorily. Almost 23% of respondents indicated that more details would be helpful, and from the responses of nearly 7%, it can be inferred that instructions provided via email may be insufficient. According to the indications of the surveyed group, quite a few hosts (34.7%) could improve in this area if they are interested in effectively improving the segregation results of the guests.

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The need for obtaining instructions upon arrival is reflected in another declaration of the respondents: as many as 84.7% stated that this action would convince them to segregate waste during their stay. This means that even if such effort does not appeal to everyone visiting, it is still worth undertaking because in the opinion of the guests, it signals a strong persuasive power.

What other elements will facilitate guests' efforts? Well, segregation should be included in the regulations (14.3%), and it is worth considering placing additional bins in places of increased consumption, e.g., near the grill shelter (13.4%). There was also a voice regarding aesthetic, colorful containers and clear graphics to assist with sorting.

Over 8% of respondents would like to find materials on Slowhop that expand their knowledge, including waste segregation. Short and condensed forms of communication are the clear leaders in expectations, such as Instagram content (59.3%) and short video recordings (reels) – with 25.4% of the votes, as well as Facebook posts (38.1%). Thematic articles are less popular (19.5%). They probably serve as a good complement for those who decide to delve into the topic after familiarizing themselves with the abbreviated message.

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In summary, the research results provide a very clear picture of what hosts can do to encourage or discourage their guests from waste segregation. For systematization, below is Table 2 summarizing all significant "encouragers" and "discouragers."

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So what's next? 

We have already identified the problem and the "hard data," so now it's time for you, Hosts, to conduct an internal audit within your own scope. How? Open this file with the list and, taking the perspective of guests, thoroughly verify which points you already implement and which ones you still need to work on.

If your first step is purchasing sorting bins, try to buy ones that can be opened without using hands and/or are aesthetically pleasing - enough to encourage your guests to sort. Remember to keep them in at least a tolerable condition. No one (normal) will conduct a white glove test, but your sorting area shouldn't visually compete with the backdrop of a second-rate academic dorm.

What else? Besides basic labeling of bins, it's very important to provide instructions indicating which waste can and cannot be thrown into specific bins. Why? Despite the universal waste segregation system in Poland, the precise rules are dictated by your local processing plant (and its technological capabilities).

Example: In many places, eggshells should be thrown into bio waste, while in Szczecin, they are thrown into mixed waste. Unfortunately, such exceptions are not uncommon, so by posting an instruction poster, you'll greatly facilitate sorting for guests coming to you from different parts of Poland.

How to find the rules applicable in your municipality in Poland?

1. Enter "segregation [municipality name]" into a search engine, and the first results should direct you to the appropriate page with instructions.
2. Use this search engine (bottom right square).

Example: A poster from Wrocław or Warsaw is visually accessible and can be placed, for example, on the doors of a cabinet with sorting bins or hung on the wall above the bins – in a nice frame that matches the interior. Check if your municipality or waste processing plant has materials on their website that you can use.

You'll find the rest of the recommended actions on THIS LIST.

If you eliminate discouraging factors and add the mentioned "encouragers," you have a much greater chance that segregation for your guests will not only be possible but even reflexive. Perhaps the resistance to segregation will disappear completely or at least be reduced to a few percent of individuals resistant to facts (and sometimes also personal culture). For this group, it's worth preemptively creating regulatory provisions that can be legally enforced.

If you need individual consultation, write here – we'll try to help.

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