Dive Brief:

• Eco-Cycle, a non-profit organization focused on recycling, has partnered with the Boulder Chamber of Commerce in Colorado to launch a “Take Action for Recycling” campaign.
• The coalition aims to provide a dialogue between consumers and businesses in regard to the business’ recycling efforts.
• Under the campaign, customers distribute “cards” to businesses that show how the customer views the company's approach to recycling -- ranging from positive, and encouraging the business to recycle more, to suggesting “improvements” that may be in order. 

Dive Insight:

The purpose behind the campaign is to increase the recycling rate of businesses in the Boulder area. The executive director of Eco-Cycle, Suzanne Jones, said that in addition, the program could be helpful in encouraging businesses to comply with expanded requirements if the city decides to push recycling regulations for businesses in the future. 

Businesses in Boulder have a 28% recycling rate when it comes to recycling and composting. That's a stark difference from local residents, 60% of whom recycle materials and organics, according to Jones. 

Jones attributes the low recycling numbers to a lack of knowledge on the part of the business owners. She said many aren’t aware that recycling could save businesses money.