Is This the End of Recycling? — Episode 034

On today’s show, we’re talking about one of NRPA’s Top Trends in
Parks and Recreation for 2019: The prediction that park and
recreation recycling programs may soon end.


We’re joined by Brendan Daley, the Director of Strategy and
Sustainability for the Chicago Park District, which is leading
the way in recycling and other sustainability practices, and Rich
Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, who made
this bold prediction at the beginning of this year.


On this episode, we explore why there’s a sudden fear that park
and recreation recycling programs might end, and how we even got
into this mess in the first place. We also discuss things like:


The recent changes in recycling practices

What agencies can do when the waste they collect is either
not recyclable or the cost of having it picked up is too
expensive

What types of recycling are cost-effective and should
continue

Things that agencies can do to educate the public regarding
recycling

Simple things individuals can do to improve their recycling
habits



The future of recycling in parks and recreation should not be
taken lightly, and even with recent changes to many recycling
practices, there are still things we can do to make sure that
this critical conservation and sustainability effort continues.
Tune in to the show to find out how.