Helping local communities to enhance their recycling programs is a key component of the Partnership’s plan to improve the U.S. recycling system.
“We know recycling program stakeholders, specifically at the local level, are the key drivers for making recycling work in this country. They are on the ground, working every day to improve their programs and engage the public in how to recycle,” said Louise Bruce, Managing Director of the Center for Sustainable Behavior and Impact at The Recycling Partnership. “The Hub will give them ready-to-use solutions as well as a two-way data exchange with The Recycling Partnership's National Recycling Database, thereby improving local access information while also making advancements that will impact the broader recycling system.”
The free tool provides an interactive U.S. Recycling Map displaying local program attributes and processing throughout the country; the ability for local recycling staff to have a verified level of access allowing them to see customized program recommendations based on their actual local program data; and easy access to The Partnership’s sizeable catalog of resources.
In the United States there are over 9,000 recycling programs, each serving different populations, accepting varying materials, and, offering different services including curbside collection, drop-off options, or multifamily programs. Whether the program is just starting, expanding, or already performing at a high level, communities can find resources in the Hub to fit their specific needs.
Since 2014, The Partnership has worked on the ground with hundreds of these communities and supported thousands more with our free tools and resources. We understand the challenges local recycling staff face in their day-to-day roles, including lack of budget and staff, the need for technical assistance and expertise, and the importance of influencing recycling behavior. The Hub was developed specifically for these leaders by The Partnership’s Center for Sustainable Behavior & Impact, with support from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation and Walmart Foundation.
“The Walmart Foundation supported the development of the Hub to bring a valuable, data- driven tool to local recycling programs, where the greatest impact can be made,” said Julie Gehrki, VP and COO of the Walmart Foundation. “With a strategic effort on consumer behavior, this tool can provide the data and resources needed by local recycling coordinators to drive their programs forward.”
“The Recycling Program Solutions Hub brings powerful data and research-backed solutions straight to the source that needs this information – the local coordinators,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company and board chair of the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation. “Equipping these leaders with the right information and resources can help them bolster their programs, strengthening the recycling infrastructure in the U.S. and bringing us one step closer to a truly circular economy.”
With over 170 users engaged with the Hub so far, one of its most popular features is the ability to explore national recycling data, as well as drill down to the community level. “This is something that will become more valuable for recycling planners as more and more communities enter up-to-date, accurate, and live information about our various recycling programs,” said Scott Keller, Senior Program Manager for Sustainability & Recycling, City of Beaverton, Oregon. Other solid waste managers should check out the site and update their community information because if we all did this, it’s going to be helpful to all of us.”
Local recycling staff now have a powerful tool to help ensure residents can and know how to participate in recycling. Visit https://recyclingpartnership.org/recycling-program-solutions to create your free account and get started.
