Chicago to Work with Recycling Partnership to Improve Recycling

The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit that applies corporate partner funding to improve curbside recycling systems in cities and town across the country, will be working with Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) to improve recycling in the city through the “It’s All You” public service and educational campaign.

At the heart of the campaign is an effort to educate residents about the curbside recycling program and the tremendous impact that each person has on its success. A social media and city-wide advertising and public service announcement (PSA) campaign, visible at more than 200 locations across the city, will depict residents engaged in everyday activities and remind audiences about the materials that are acceptable for recycling in curbside carts. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to continue building the culture of recycling across Chicago, making the city stronger and increasing the quantity and quality of materials recycled.

In addition to the PSAs, residents will see an informational card in their mailboxes reminding them about recycling basics. The PSAs and informational cards were designed to educate current recyclers, re-engage former recyclers, and attract newcomers to the program by stressing the ease and importance of recycling in Chicago. The Recycling Partnership team is providing resources and expertise to amplify the City’s marketing work, at no cost to city taxpayers, thanks to funds secured through Coca-Cola and Target.

“The ‘It’s All You’ campaign is a great way to reach residents directly and highlight how easy it is to recycle properly,” Recycling Partnership CEO Keefe Harrison said in a statement. “Cities become stronger through community efforts like recycling,” she says. “We respect the City of Chicago for taking on this large issue that is affecting cities everywhere.”

The message of the campaign is simple, according to DSS Commissioner Charles L. Williams. “Each individual can have a tremendous impact on the success of the program by making recycling part of their everyday routine, just like brushing your teeth or getting your mail. When we recycle, our environment is protected and communities prosper, both health-wise and financially,” Williams said in a statement.