In this Earth Day episode, Sonal speaks with Carter O'Brien — the Vice President of the Chicago Recycling Coalition and sustainability officer at the Field Museum. He provides insight on Chicago's recycling system, from its inception to where it stands today.
Chicago is the third largest city in the nation, but it has the worst recycling rate in the country at nine percent. An investigation by the Better Government Association in 2018 found that some of the city's recycling haulers were directing recyclables to their own for profit landfills.
Even if residents dispose of their recyclables properly, there is a chance it will end up in a landfill. It depends on numerous factors including where you live and who you recycling provider is. 
O'Brien shares how individuals can directly contribute to Chicago's sustainability efforts. Residents can get involved in their local environmental organizations including the Edgewater Environmental Coalition, Southeast Environmental Task Force and LVEJO. Find more resources at https://chicagorecyclingcoalition.org