It’s simple:
We help Chicagoans reduce waste.
What we do
Collect
We host events to collect items that can be reused, repurposed or are difficult to recycle.
Inspire
We share best practices with schools, organizations, businesses and individuals.
Advocate
We support policies that shift the burden of waste from residents to producers.
It’s our birthday!
It began with an email to 20 neighbors, asking for their old toothbrushes. A year later, on April 17, 2021, it turned into our first Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up.
✨ This year, Reduce Waste Chicago turns 5 — and we have 50 wishes. ✨
Not just to reach every ward in Chicago, but to show up in them consistently, until systems improve, policies change and doing the right thing for the planet is the easy for everyone.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 by May 1 so we can do that — and your gift will make it possible.
Our impact
80,000+
Pounds of material diverted from the landfill
60+
Events in locations around Chicago
300+
Volunteers who make a difference in their communities