What Would It Take To Boost Chicago’s Dismal Recycling Rate?

By Meha Ahmad
Officers from the Ministry of Environment show samples of plastics waste shipment from Australia in Port Klang, Malaysia, Tuesday, May 28, 2019.
Officers from the Ministry of Environment show samples of plastics waste shipment from Australia in Port Klang, Malaysia, Tuesday, May 28, 2019. In 2019, the City of Chicago and local environmental groups are discussing Chicago's recycling rate. Vincent Thian / AP
Officers from the Ministry of Environment show samples of plastics waste shipment from Australia in Port Klang, Malaysia, Tuesday, May 28, 2019.
Officers from the Ministry of Environment show samples of plastics waste shipment from Australia in Port Klang, Malaysia, Tuesday, May 28, 2019. In 2019, the City of Chicago and local environmental groups are discussing Chicago's recycling rate. Vincent Thian / AP

What Would It Take To Boost Chicago’s Dismal Recycling Rate?

By Meha Ahmad
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Of all the recyclable waste Chicago produces, only nine percent actually ends up getting recycled. That’s the lowest rate of any big U.S. city.

WBEZ environment and climate reporter Jerome McDonnell hosted a Curious City roundtable conversation that included representatives of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office and local environmental groups to explore solutions. McDonnell joins Reset to discuss what he learned.

GUEST: Jerome McDonnell, WBEZ Environment and Climate Change reporter