Chicago joins forces with The Recycling Partnership

The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit based in Falls Church, Virginia, that applies corporate partner funding to improve curbside recycling systems in cities and town across the country, has announced that it will be working with Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) to improve recycling throughout the city through the “It’s All You” public service and educational campaign. The partnership begins this summer and will run through the fall.

According to The Recycling Partnership, the centerpiece of the campaign is an effort to educate residents about the curbside recycling program and the impact each of the city’s residents has on its success. A social media and citywide advertising and public service announcement (PSA) campaign, which will be deployed 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 their curbside carts. The goal of the campaign is to continue building Chicago’s recycling culture, increasing the quantity and quality of materials recycled.

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 healthwise and financially,” he says.

In addition to the PSAs, residents will receive an informational card in their mailboxes with information on recycling basics. The PSAs and informational card 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 nonprofit says. The Recycling Partnership is providing resources and expertise intended to amplify the city’s marketing 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,” says Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership. “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.”