DoSomething “Talking Trash” Campaign Equips Young People With the Knowledge and Tools to Improve Recycling in Their Communities

DoSomething.org, the hub for youth-centered service and impact, new Talking Trash campaign  educates and equips Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the knowledge and tools to improve recycling in their communities and beyond. While some states have advanced recycling systems, others like California, Louisiana, and Texas lag in recycling rates, while producing high waste volumes. These states represent significant opportunities for impactful change. 

Talking Trash aims to provide young people 25 and under with information that explains the state of recycling in their community, and then equips them with the tools needed to get engaged in recycling actions in their community through changed behavior and local action. This initiative is designed to mobilize young people to collect and recycle over 75,000 bottles in communities across the U.S., and share  their impact with the DoSomething community to inspire others to join the recycling movement.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN HERE: https://dosomething.org/action/50-bottles 

As part of this effort, DoSomething collaborated with online influencer Summer Dean (@climatediva) and DoSomething member Katelyn Knox to create an engaging and creative PSA to demystify recycling and spark a new recycling movement for today’s young people.

WATCH THE PSA HERE: https://youtu.be/KX62rSh5A-s?feature=shared

DoSomething is offering an opportunity  to earn a $1,000 scholarship to participating BInfluencers nationwide. Here are stories of two DoSomething members taking action to recycle in their communities:

• Arman D., a DoSomething member from California, shared their experience saying: “My proposed solution is a community campaign called "Recycle Right," focused on educating people about proper waste segregation. The campaign would include creating simple, visual guides for what can and cannot be recycled, distributing them in neighborhoods, schools, and online platforms. We could also organize fun, interactive workshops and challenges, like "Sort It Right" competitions, to engage people and teach proper recycling habits in an enjoyable way. Additionally, the campaign would work to improve signage on recycling bins, making them clear and consistent. Volunteers could monitor bins in public spaces and provide friendly reminders to encourage correct recycling. This solution will be effective because it addresses the root problem: lack of awareness and clarity. By educating and involving the community, we can create a sense of responsibility and make recycling a habit, leading to less waste contamination and a more sustainable future.”

• Aria M., a DoSomething member from Texas, added: “The City of Dallas requires residents to drive to specific scrap yards and e-waste plants to recycle car parts and electronics, making recycling inaccessible for those without access to a car. To address this, I plan to create dedicated community drop-off zones for these materials, with regular pickups. I would partner with Okon Metals to manage recycling logistics and collaborate with local dry cleaners to recycle metal hangers, incentivizing residents to participate. Additionally, I would advocate for updating the Dallas website to recommend local metal recycling facilities like Okon Metals instead of instructing residents to throw metal car parts in the trash. To raise awareness, I would host metal drives in each Dallas district with Okon Metals, providing an opportunity for residents to recycle stockpiled, non-dallas-accepted recyclable metals.”

“Did you know that 73% of people in the U.S. have access to recycling, yet only 43% of households are participating? We can do better,” said DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething.org. “If we were to fully recycle the 20 million tons of household recyclables that are thrown in the trash, we would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 96 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. We’d achieve the same effect as taking more than 20 million cars off U.S. highways – all from recycling!”