Chicago launches app to assist residents with recycling

The City of Chicago has announced the launch of a “recycle coach” education app, which advises residents on waste and recycling schedules and proper waste management.

The app has been made available at no cost to the city government via a partnership with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and software firm Recycle Coach.

“Easier access to information on how and where to recycle is one of our key strategies to increase recycling and waste diversion participation in Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“Thanks to a significant partnership with the IEPA, the new Recycle Coach app brings these answers to city residents’ fingertips through a simplified, yet comprehensive resource bringing us one step closer to achieving our climate action goals.”

How it works

Residents can access the Recycle Coach tool at chicagorecycles.org, and input an address to receive customised waste and recycling information specific to where they live, including:

• Collection and event calendars.
• Updates on service changes.
• A comprehensive database on what is and isn’t recyclable, including local disposal information for common and uncommon items.
• Additional educational content, including useful recycling tips and weekly recycling quizzes.

The city hopes the app will lead to a decrease in contamination at material recovery facilities, an increase in the diversion of materials from landfills, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Illinois EPA is excited for the City of Chicago to participate in this programme, which offers innovative technology that will provide residents with advanced tools to allow them to increase and improve recycling,” said Illinois EPA Director James Jennings.

“As more communities participate and the program is fully implemented, the amount of recyclables properly diverted from Illinois landfills will be expanded significantly.”

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