“Recycling Is Broken!” “Plastic Recycling Is a Fraud!” “Are We Really Recycling?”  You may have seen these headlines or even heard someone claim recycling is a waste of their time. Due to inaccurate media stories, people are concerned that the recyclables we so carefully sort and place on the curbside are going to the dump instead. These stories are causing Americans to lose faith in our recycling programs, lowering participation and tonnages. 

This session sets the truth straight—recycling does work. Our curbside recyclables are going to end markets. Our residents are making a difference when they put their recyclables on the curbside. Of course, contamination is a problem and markets aren’t always good. But municipal curbside recycling is an invaluable source of paper, plastic, metal, and glass recyclables for a wide variety of products. Gain tips on how to work with, not against, the media and how to get our story out. 

After attending this session, participants will be able to:  

• Identify ways to counteract media misinformation about recycling. 

• Work with the media to get an accurate understanding of local recycling programs to the public through collaboration with SWANA chapters and statewide recycling organizations. 

• Organize MRF tours and develop comfortable talking points to support recycling and its future.