State Funds to Support City Purchase of Containers for Separate Collection of Recyclables

CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a four-year, $8 million commitment for the expansion of recycling throughout Chicago.  The funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Recycling Division will be used over the next four years to help the City purchase recycling collection carts and containers to be used for residential recycling, as well as in city parks.  Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin joined Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation Commissioner Michael J. Picardi and Chicago Department of Environment Commissioner Sadhu Johnston to talk about the expansion of the Blue Cart separate collection program to 80,000 households in seven wards across the city over the next eight months.  

“We have an easy way of protecting our environment and creating more jobs.  This dramatic expansion of recycling is going energize people across the City to reduce our trash by taking the time to recycle.  It doesn’t take a lot of work and the benefits are tremendous.  We are taking another important step with Mayor Daley to help make Chicago more green, while putting more people to work,” Gov. Blagojevich said.   

“Recycling conserves natural resources, improves the environment, beautifies the city and creates jobs,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley.  “I want to thank Gov. Blagojevich for investing in this very worthwhile program.  It will solidify Chicago’s reputation as the most environmentally friendly big city in the nation,” Mayor Richard M. Daley said.

Last year, with support from a prior $52,000 DCEO grant, the City launched a pilot recycling program in part of the 19th Ward using separate blue carts to collect recyclables.  The pilot is a success on several levels, including participation of up to 80 percent of local residents. 

In the recycling program expansion announced today, the City will expand the program throughout the rest of the 19th Ward, in six additional wards—the 1st, 5th, 8th, 37th, 46th and 47th Wards, and throughout the park system. 

"This is a huge step toward Mayor Daley's goal of Chicago being the greenest city in America," said Jack Darin, Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club.  "We thank Gov. Blagojevich for supporting and funding this major upgrade in recycling in Chicago, we applaud Mayor Daley for seeking the best possible recycling services for the city, and we look forward to the day that all Chicago residents have access to curbside recycling."

The project brings significant economic benefits, including an estimated 44 jobs for laborers and drivers in the first year alone.  If the program were to expand citywide, it would be expected to create many more direct jobs, as well as many indirect new jobs created by related processing of the recycled materials.  For example, about 150 new jobs are expected to be created to process the additional recyclables that this project is anticipated to divert.

“As we continue to support ways to grow our economy and create more jobs, Gov. Blagojevich and I understand we cannot leave our environmental responsibilities behind.  This funding to expand the Blue Cart program across Chicago is a win for the environment and the economy,” State Senator Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) said.

“This is a great example of how we can create new jobs, while protecting our environment.  Gov. Blagojevich and I will continue making these kinds of important investments that are making a difference in many different ways,” State Rep. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago) said.  

“People want to recycle, and Gov. Blagojevich is helping them to do that.  But not only does this recycling expansion in Chicago help people feel good about recycling and the environment, it also will create jobs and bring many economic benefits throughout Chicago.  The Governor believes that strategically investing in recycling is both an environmentally and economically wise decision,” DCEO Director Lavin said.

For more details on the City of Chicago’s recycling campaign, go to the Web site at www.bluecartschicago.org.