Recycling & compost

Nearly all of America’s trash could be composted and recycled. But we’ve got a lot of work to do to get there.

Most of us put our recyclables out for collection. But it’s going to take more than individual action to deal with our trash problem. Only 24% of our trash actually gets recycled, and only 9% gets composted. We can do better. Together we can share information, resources and push our leaders to build a better recycling and composting system. 

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I support Environment Illinois because it addresses local and national issues, and it works collaboratively with other organizations. The more voices we have the better. I encourage people who want to help the environment to find an issue they’re passionate about and start there—you can make change. Julie Moller, Member, Environment Illinois

The Latest
New report provides best practices for composting waste

Wildlife & wild places

New report provides best practices for composting waste

Composting all organic waste -- including food scraps and yard trimmings -- could eliminate nearly one-third of all materials sent to landfills and trash incinerators across the United States. That’s according to Composting in America, a new report released today by U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Environment America Research and Policy Center and Frontier Group. The study outlines best practices for composting programs, which are critical for mitigating the negative impact of waste on the climate and public health.    

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