In the U.S., more than 75% of people report regularly recycling and want to do the right thing; surveys can show recycling trends that help public works increase recycling rates.
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus released a new analysis showing that single-family homes in the Chicago metro area recycled an average of 452 pounds of materials in 2024. This study was part of the Feed the Cart campaign, which aimed to boost regional recycling by 15% by 2030 through education and infrastructure improvements, funded by a $2 million EPA grant. Here are the highlights as published by Shaw Local News Network:
- Regional recycling statistics: Nearly 500,000 tons of recyclables were collected across six counties, equivalent to filling six Soldier Fields or stacking recyclables 50 feet high at the Chicagoland Speedway.
- Feed the Cart campaign scope: The campaign covers Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, serving millions of residents, with pre-campaign data collected by SCS Engineers from most municipalities in the region.
- Local community recycling rates: Among SWALCO communities, Lake Forest recycled 806 pounds per household with a 5% rate, while Lake Barrington recycled 759 pounds per household with a 25% rate in 2024.
- Common recycling contaminants: Top contaminants include lithium batteries, plastic bags, flammable containers, medical waste, clothing and wire hangers, and food/liquid waste, which can damage recycling processes. Proper disposal guidance is available at FeedTheCart.org.
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