Whenever I'm unsure about where to take my old electronics or odd bits of trash, I turn to recycling websites. These serve as digital resource hubs, filled with informative guides on what can and can't be recycled, tips on cutting down on waste, and insightful blog posts about the benefits of recycling and greener choices.
It's like having a wise, eco-conscious mentor at my fingertips, ready to share the secret to sustainability. Create your own website with Zarla's AI recycling website builder, which generates a complete website within minutes.
Zarla checks that sites meet basic web standards for mobile and desktop. We also use Google's PageSpeed Insights, and WAVE, a service that evaluates accessibility for individuals with disabilities. PageSpeed scores and accessibility are important factors for search engine rankings. PageSpeed scores may not match user experience and can vary substantially.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Recycle BC, a not-for-profit organization in British Columbia, has a concise but informative website that provided me with easy-to-understand tips and statistics. Upon entering the website, I was impressed by the quick access to recycling guides, which revealed what can and can't be recycled, detailed the latest news in recycling, and pointed me toward the nearest depot.
The website's color scheme also caught my eye; the blue and green tones fit the theme perfectly, weaving seamlessly with the logo to create a unified design that complements the information-rich layout. I found the statistics about Recycle BC's impact on the home page especially compelling, as they solidified my trust in their mission.
I liked how the top and bottom menus struck a perfect balance: the top menu was all about providing information, while the bottom one focused on connection. This thoughtful narrative let me dive into learning about the organization's impact, then smoothly encouraged me to form a deeper connection by downloading the mobile app and navigating to Recycle BC's social media channels.
While I found the website helpful and user-friendly, I would have preferred swifter access to the "Contact Us" page. I don't mind that it's in the footer menu, but integrating it through sticky boxes, CTAs, or a more visible placement in the top menu would have been ideal. WAVE also flagged three contrast errors on the home page, as well as a few empty links.
The desktop site offers a refreshing browsing experience with its hover-activated functions. These made tracking my selections and accessing drop-down options more engaging, and I appreciated how the main menu used this function to tidy up the top of the screen.
While the slideshow hero section showcasing Recycle BC's latest campaign provided polished visuals that were fun and memorable, I found the images in the news section less impactful on desktop. That said, I did enjoy the convenience of the filtered news section, which made accessing niche categories as simple as a single click.
In a unique twist, the mobile version included two hamburger icons to conceal the two top menus. I would have preferred one concise menu, but this approach does prevent each menu from being overwhelmed with options. However, it took a bit of getting used to, and I think a more streamlined menu presentation would help with on-the-go browsing.
Moreover, there was no indication that the filtered options in the news section could swipe left, which could cause them to go overlooked. Notably, the graphic of the mobile app on a smartphone is absent, making the CTA to download the mobile app less appealing. On Google's PageSpeed Insights, the home page scored 96/100 for accessibility and a modest 41/100 for overall performance.
Banbury, Oxfordshire, U.K.
Recycle Now is a U.K.-based recycling campaign that aims to educate residents about effective recycling practices. Managed by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the campaign's website acted as a comprehensive resource, offering me easy access to valuable tools like recycling locator maps, educational materials, and guidance on recycling household products.
I enjoyed the thoughtfully curated top menu, which quickly answered the "how?" and "where?" questions, and it encouraged me to recycle an item. This was followed by a handy search tool, which allowed me to locate nearby depots using postal codes. Overall, I found the site straightforward and informative, with a strong emphasis on connection through social media.
The straightforward top menu encouraged me to recycle an item and seamlessly guided me through the "how" and "where" questions. This direct approach made my journey feel intuitive. The depot search tool, coupled with prominently placed social media links, promised quick connection with resources. Moreover, WAVE found no contrast errors or link-related issues on the home page.
Upon entering the site, I instantly felt like the lack of strong visual interest gave it a sterile and forgettable aesthetic. Compounding this, the visuals lacked quality, and the stock images gave the website an impersonal feel. Instead of feeling inspired, I found myself longing for vibrant graphics that could breathe life into the recycling process.
I liked that the main menu's drop-down options were marked with arrows and not triggered by hover; it felt like I had more control over what I wanted to access. The hero image appeared grainy, setting a lackluster tone for the website's visuals. While those seeking good visual entertainment might find Recycle Now's images flat, I still appreciated the well-organized layout and prominent display of resources.
The lack of a floating menu and a back-to-top button wasn't a problem on the concise home page. However, I was grateful to have access to the back-to-top button on lengthier pages. On PageSpeed Insights, the home page scored 95/100 for accessibility and 90/100 for overall performance.
When I entered the mobile site, the depot search tool instantly caught my attention as it occupied a substantial amount of screen space. Though this diminished the impact of the hero image, I found the focus on search tools to be a clever choice, especially as mobile users tend to value swift accessibility.
Unlike the desktop version, the mobile site's menu options were tucked behind a neat "Menu" box, further allowing the top of the home page to focus on the two search options available. On the more information-heavy pages, I found that the various drop-down options helped me absorb content better. Despite my positive experience, the home page's performance score on PageSpeed Insights dipped to 45/100.
https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/
Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
TerraCycle, a globally recognized company that specializes in hard-to-recycle products, was founded in 2001 to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The company's website, a blend of sleek design and functionality, presented me with a treasure trove of content, showcasing the latest in TerraCycle's campaigns and initiatives.
The clear layout guided me through the company's latest offerings and online store with ease, while program highlights provided more detailed insight into TerraCycle's impact. A back-to-top button and a floating menu helped automate the browsing experience, while interactive elements, polished visuals, and a comprehensive footer menu ensured I was always engaged.
The website opts for a simple layout that highlights key headings, CTAs, and visuals with clarity. I loved having quick access to my account and shopping cart, while the currency/country converter's prominent placement meant I could easily navigate between regions. The mix of graphics, practical images, and community-based visuals kept me informed and interested.
While the top menu focused on campaigns and initiatives, I found that as a newcomer, I was drawn to the footer menu more often. It provided more convenient access to the drop-off location finder and information about the company, including its FAQ and press sections. We also used WAVE to examine the home page and found several sections missing alternative text.
Opting for images with transparent backgrounds helped focus my attention and cleverly played on the idea of a "cleaner" environment. Adding a fun twist to this airy aesthetic, the hover-activated selections entertained me as I scrolled. This included the hover-activated drop-down menu, which housed text and visual options that kept me interested for longer.
I also liked how the logo's color was interwoven throughout the website to help draw attention to key sections. On the desktop site's home page, this was particularly evident in the "What's new?" and "Get to know TerraCycle" sections, where the CTAs' dark green hue helped influence my next click.
At first glance, I was impressed by the mobile site's compact design, which retained the desktop site's crisp images, well-organized layout, and clear headings. However, as I scrolled, I found that I missed the dark green CTAs found on the desktop version, which initially encouraged me to engage with the "What's new?" section.
However, I did enjoy the "programs" section's linear format on the home page, as it included plenty of interactive drop-down options. I really liked that I could tuck information-heavy sections or images away to streamline access to the footer menu, which followed a similar menu presentation. That said, the mobile site scored a low 23/100 in PageSpeed Insights' performance category.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Established in 1994, Ellice Recycle is a reputable company that offers recycling and waste management services in Greater Victoria. The company's various services are neatly highlighted on the website, which opens to a straightforward main menu that directed my attention to their bin service, news and projects pages, and residential and commercial offerings.
Contrasting traditional recycling websites, the Ellice Recycle site opts for a more straightforward approach. Instead of including infographics or sections about recycling facts, it immediately drives traffic to the various contact options, which are easily accessible through the main menu, an online form, and individual location details.
Navigating the website was swift and effortless, as I could readily access essential information, such as operating hours, email and telephone details, and comprehensive overviews of the individual recycling services available. The "Is it Recyclable?" option was particularly informative, and the search tool's keyword function helped streamline my results.
Some sections of the website, notably the "news" and "projects" pages, did not include content, which made the website feel unfinished. I was also surprised that a company with decades of experience lacked a well-stocked news or blog page. Moreover, WAVE detected several contrast issues on the home page, as well as missing form labels and alternative text.
The desktop site draws you in right away — no hidden menus to puzzle over, just a clear path to action, which I appreciated. On larger screens, the well-spaced and captivating hero and background images stand out nicely, especially as the latter is exclusive to desktop. While the site's bold branding is visually engaging, the repeated images and lack of deeper content made me feel like it was designed for quick mobile use.
This left me wishing for more: a few infographics, engaging multimedia, and something to rally the masses and solidify my support. On a more positive note, the home page scored admirably in various categories on PageSpeed Insights, including performance, where it received 71/100.
The mobile site excels in its compact layout, where every inch is used with purpose. Navigating the home page was a breeze, thanks to the convenient floating menu and concise "About Us" section. Yet, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when the downward arrow in the hero image failed to guide me smoothly down the page — a small, missed chance to streamline access to the locations and contact details.
Despite the background image of the "contact" form being absent, I found myself less concerned with visuals on mobile; here, it was all about getting things done quickly and effortlessly. Contrasting our solid experience, the home page scored 33/100 for performance on PageSpeed Insights.
New York, New York, U.S.
Recycle Right New York is an online initiative aimed at promoting recycling practices and boosting public awareness in New York City. The initiative's online space was a welcome breath of fresh air, marrying a playful aesthetic with intuitive features that made my browsing experience lively and unforgettable.
From the moment I landed on the site, the sticky accessibility icon captivated me, offering seamless adjustment tools that enhanced my experience. The home page was a cornucopia of resourceful tools, from the engaging encyclopedia search bar to the myth-busting section, both of which provided a delightful mix of entertainment and enlightenment.
The main menu guided me to blog posts that delved into everything from common recycling mishaps to the nitty gritty of what should be recycled. The multimedia content sprinkled throughout the site added an extra layer of engagement, making each page come alive. I also liked how the contact form, newsletter signup form, and social media links were readily available.
I couldn't help but wish for a floating menu or back-to-top button. Without these functions, the web pages, brimming with information, made for a fair bit of scrolling. Additionally, the bottom of the home page struck me as oddly barren, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy further up the page. To top it off, WAVE flagged over 20 contrast errors on the home page.
On Recycle Right New York's desktop site, the motion graphics, illustrations, and video content all blend seamlessly with a vibrant color scheme, creating a user experience that I found both captivating and memorable. I especially valued the drop-down options at the top, marked with arrows that gave me a reassuring sense of control over my navigation.
However, as I scrolled downward, the lack of visuals in the lower half of the home page was quite noticeable on desktop, which dampened my interest in engaging with the contact form and newsletter signup form. I also missed having a floating menu; it would have been a welcome aid in limiting excessive scrolling.
On the mobile version, the hamburger menu does a great job of keeping the top of the home page neat, but I really missed having the search tool easily accessible instead of hidden behind a menu icon. The lack of a back-to-top button became glaringly obvious as I navigated through the content-rich pages, making the lengthy scrolls feel a bit tiresome.
Moreover, the contrast issues flagged by WAVE seemed even more pronounced on mobile, with some sections becoming a bit tricky to read. On a more positive note, the mobile site's home page scored 62/100 for performance on PageSpeed Insights, as well as 92/100 for accessibility.
We suggest checking out Zarla's AI website builder, which can design a recycling website template in just minutes, complete with images and content tailored to your niche. Additionally, we've reviewed some excellent recycling website examples, such as Recycle BC, which showcases a well-branded and neatly organized website that's full of useful tools and resources.
To enhance user engagement, incorporate plenty of interactive elements, such as depot search tools, quizzes about recycling knowledge, and real-time data on recycling efforts. Including compelling visuals, infographics, and community outreach stories can also help capture attention, as well as regular updates on campaigns and social media interactions.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting mobile optimization, which could make the website difficult to navigate on smartphones and tablets. Moreover, low-quality images and generous use of stock images can make the website feel impersonal and incomplete. While educational resources are popular on these sites, your website should not overwhelm visitors. Instead, focus on clear headings and concise graphics that simplify the scrolling experience.
We've prepared a curated list of good recycling website examples, complete with detailed reviews of their desktop and mobile sites. Among these, the TerraCycle website example stands out, as it comes equipped with excellent navigational aids, informative blog posts, and strong visual entertainment.
