Be a better bottler tips on better Bottle Depot Service
to maybe institute at all bottle depots, for more efficient/faster and safer service, since Im like the "Depot Diva" now Dumpster diver pro (roll of the eyes LOL), I wanted to make these suggestions to avoid future problems with ANY of the Bottle depots:
1) For obvious safety reasons, and have a clearly marked sign, Not allow carts, bikes, trailers etc inside the depots at all and have a clearly posted sign and staff ready to remind/warn people if necessary. (The Downtown Bottle depot is very good for doing this and set clear boundaries and reminded me when i forgot-cheer to them! great service). Suggest bike racks.
2) as a suggestion for faster/better service, tell everybody or put up a sign, since there are so many line ups, even a pamphlet, for people to read, that if people have lots of plastic bottles or cans etc to count them in plastic bags! even if it isnt the "full" amount it can still work-the downtown bottle depot puts a sticker on the bags with the number and dumps it in the bigger bags so they still keep track of it, makes things SO much easier not all these bottles bouncing around and falling over etc. It is an ENORMOUS help and makes things SOOOO much faster! I get 3 bags, one for plastic bottles, one for pop cans, one for beer cans and fill 'em up. I count and write it down as I sort, being careful to be Accurate and Honest. Also I get 2 carts so there is more space to pour the contents of my bags out and sort-usually one cart for liquor/bottles I dont have as many of, and one for other drink products. I tie the bags on the cart, dump my bag of bottles and get busy.
3) make sure everyone knows to sort liquor products and say exaclt what u will accept (wine liquor spirits, and imports and the Names of the imports (most common ones anyways
4) have more of those plastic containers for glass like the esquimalt bottle depot has it makes things way less mess as they are more sturdy and have higher sides so stuff doesnt fall over! and more in rows so easier to count!
5) sort smaller bottles with smaller bottles, bigger ones with bigger, so they fit better and easier to count (cuz lots of under 10 or 5c bottles can be different sizes), put bottles etc in exact rows or on flats in exact numbers if possible (can do something while waiting!) so easier/faster to count - just be really really organize and with the huge line ups lots of time to organize so when the person finally gets to the till it is FAST and EFFICENT, help you to help me help you kinda deal. oh and if possible have lots of pens/paper or those slips to fill in how much a person has. Also makes it easier for people to keep count so more accurate.
Of course u cant operate like this with everyone there are lots of people that try to scam the depots I know Ive talked to these crooks they should be kicked out, i mean when you have a solid customer and the numbers match and the count is accurate, developing the honest reputation, right? Then someone who lies ruins it for the rest of us wanting to make an honest living-a great way to get/stay straightBurns lots of energy.
6) Also, showing respect by NOT showing up with a stolen shopping cart or at least not leaving it anywhere near the Bottle Depot Property-put it back where it came from! We want to create a positive image no more negative attention!
7) PLEASE Don't drink beer openly or do drugs or buy drugs or sell drugs anywhere around the Bottle Depot (or anywhere for that matter I say) - please show respect for the services rendered and property and people. We want a Positive public image
I call it "Depot-ing for Dummies" :)
Tony Hoar of Tony's trailers is working on making legal and affordable ways for people to transport their belongings/bottles etc, feel free to talk to him. He's usually at Homeless Committee meetings Wednesdays 1900 at Silver Threads Douglas/Herald st or visit the website www.tonystrailers.com
tx BIRD
