Increasing recycling in office environments: The effects of specific, informative cues.

The team taped clear signs above trash and recycling bins in three office kitchens.

Each sign said exactly what to toss where, like "CANS HERE."

They watched how often people recycled before and after the signs went up.

Recycling jumped 17 to 54 percent when the signs were right over the bins.

The closer the sign to the opening, the bigger the boost.

No extra staff, no rewards—just paper and tape.

Clayton et al. (2006) got the same lift with a caring sign at a parking-lot exit.

Drivers buckled up and hung up phones after reading "Please Hang Up, I Care."

Sanders et al. (1989) seem to disagree at first glance; their store sign alone barely moved cart seat-belt use.

The gap closes when you see they added a 10-second greeting—proof that proximity plus voice beats paper alone.

Eugenia Gras et al. (2003) later took the brief-prompt idea to Spanish roads and still saw a 30 percent jump, showing the rule travels.

You can copy this Monday: print a clear, specific label and stick it right on the lid of any bin in your clinic.

It costs pennies and works without supervision.

If behavior stalls, move the prompt closer or add a quick verbal cue—just like the cart study did.