Barbara McConnell, VP Marketing, Recycling Calendars.com
Ashley Sauvé, Sales Representative, Recycling Calendars.com

Mobile technology is the single most important game changer in communication since the invention of the internet. More than half of us have a smartphone enabling us to access a wide world of information with a few clicks or swipes, no matter where we are. By 2015, more people will access the internet through a mobile device than a PC; the numbers are already tipping towards mobile. One in three visits to federal government websites currently occur using a mobile device.

In this presentation, participants will gain a greater understanding of the opportunities offered by mobile communication, and how mobile-optimized websites, open data and application programs ("apps") offer exciting possibilities for local governments and, more specifically, solid waste programs to interact with target audiences, particularly hard-to-reach 18 to 34-year-olds. There's no doubt that mobile technology can enhance promotion and education, deliver information effectively, and potentially help reduce carbon footprint scores.

This is no longer a trendy gimmick; web-enabled mobile devices are as common as televisions. Our residents/customers/subscribers expect us to provide access to information in a way that displays well on mobile devices and allows them to surf and see information quickly and conveniently. As solid waste managers and communicators who use outreach promotion and education programs to interact with our audiences, should we be looking at 'going mobile' and if we should, what options suit our needs?