Take Action: Recycling in Your Community

Your reducing, reusing and recycling activities don't have to be confined to your home. There are a number of ways you can help reduce waste when you're out and about in your neighborhood, and you can become a recycling champion in your community!

Recycling on the run

Whether you're running errands, shopping or on the go, there are many ways you can still reduce waste or make sure things get properly recycled. A few simple, everyday actions:

  • Use public recycling bins. Look for them along streets, in parks or at public festivals or events — usually next to trash cans.
  • Keep fabric or canvas bags in your car or in your bike bag; those will help you reduce the need for plastic or paper shopping bags.
  • Thirsty? Bring a reusable water bottle or beverage holder. Instead of buying bottled water or soda, keeping a reusable mug or bottle handy is still one of the easiest and best ways to reduce waste.

Volunteer

Do you have a passion for recycling? Are you dedicated to diversion? You can help promote waste reduction, recycling and reuse in a number of ways.

  • Help organize recycling at events. Schools, churches, businesses, parks, block parties, community events, fundraisers, etc. can often use a hand from a recycling guru to set up and/or coordinate effective recycling. Bridging The Gap offers programs that provide bins for event recycling and can help you plan a green and litter-free event.
  • Help support area recycling centers. A number of metro area recycling centers often need volunteers to help sort materials, educate patrons and keep the centers clean. For more information, contact Bridging The Gap.

Make your voice heard

Want to provide input or direction on how recycling and solid waste services are offered in your community? Many local cities and counties have a citizens' solid waste/sustainability advisory committee. These working groups can help communities improve their solid waste services by providing valuable feedback from the residents' point of view; such committees can also address other environmental issues or help communities develop more green policies and practices.

Contact your community to see if a citizen committee or task force exists; if not, talk to representatives in your city or county government about organizing one.

Participate

There are a number of recurring events or special occasions when you can help support waste diversion activities or learn more about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle:

  • Earth Day (April 22)
  • Regional Household Hazardous Waste mobile collection events (April–October)
  • Electronics collection events
  • America Recycles Day (November 15)
  • Holiday tree recycling (December 26–mid-January)

Request a speaker

Interested in having someone speak to your organization about the benefits of waste reduction, reuse or recycling? MARC Solid Waste Management District staff can send a speaker or staff a table at your community event to educate attendees on the 3 Rs and provide educational materials. Fill out our speaker request form to make arrangements»

Promote RecycleSpot

RecycleSpot.org is the region's one-stop spot for recycling information — the more people that know about us, the more we can connect them to services and resources. You can help us spread the word! Visit our resources page for posters, magnets and other materials and information.