Recycling Challenge Success Stories

Local governments participating in the Recycling Challenge are working to improve access to services and to increase participation in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling activities.

Each community is implementing its own ideas, programs and practices to help move the region closer to the 80x2023 diversion goal.

Learn more about their successes:

Community Highlights:

Blue Springs, Mo.
Independence, Mo.
Johnson County, Kan.

The City opened its first community drop off recycling center in July.
A quarterly newsletter devoted to recycling and other solid waste issues is mailed to residents with their utility bill.
A city parks recycling program was implemented.
The Solid Waste Commission is developing an outreach plan to further educate students and businesses on recycling.
An electronic waste collection event was held in October.

Held an electronic waste collection event, doubling the amount of material collected last year.
Changes were made to improve the city’s website and make recycling information easier to find.
Two additional haulers began to offer curbside recycling programs to its customers.
An outreach assessment and community profile were prepared by district staff.

Promoted waste reduction and reuse through a monthly section in the Sun newspaper and on Facebook.
The Johnson County Commission approved the new solid waste code which requires haulers to provide curbside recycling and yard waste composting as a basic service.
An electronic waste collection event drew 700 attendees and diverted 43 tons of material.
The county worked with district staff to create a community profile.

Remember to share your community's successes with your residents via city or county newsletters, e-mail communications, or other means. You can find tips on how to share your stories in the Recycling Challenge Education and Outreach Packet.