Chicago Expanding Recycling

Chicago's Blue Cart Recycling Program is being expanded through the purchase of 50,000 more carts over the next five years, announced Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Coca-Cola and Keep America Beautiful (KAB). Coca-Cola’s philanthropic arm, the Coca-Cola Foundation, has provided KAB with a $2.59 million grant for the project, with the goal of bringing blue cart recycling to all 50 wards in the city.

The grant will deliver 25,000 recycling carts to Chicago neighborhoods, in addition to another 25,000 carts that will be donated by the Coca-Cola Company. The carts are part of a bi-weekly recycling collection program for residents who live in single family homes or small apartment buildings. The new program will expand services to 340,000 households.

Mayor Emanuel said in a recent release, “Chicago residents have been asking for citywide recycling services for many years, and this grant will help expand blue cart recycling to all communities by the end of 2013 and pay for damaged and replacement carts for years to come. With the help of Coca-Cola and Keep America Beautiful, Chicago will become a greener, more sustainable city.”