Chicago Public Schools, Lakeshore Recycling Systems Launch Recycling Renegades, a Legacy Project to Foster Awareness, Education on the Importance of Recycling

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Apr 22, 2015) - Earth Day -- Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), Chicago's leading independent recycling and waste diversion services provider, today announced it has joined forces with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the nation's third-largest public school system, to launch Recycling Renegades, a public-private legacy initiative designed to foster greater awareness, education and innovation for the importance of recycling.

The initiative will challenge students to create or invent useful objects from recyclables. Winning entries from elementary, middle and high school students in the CPS system will be spotlighted and recognized at a Recycling Fair next Earth Day 2016.

Recycling Renegades will:

• Foster a conversation between students, parents, and teachers/schools, on the importance of recycling;
• Empower the next generation with recycling knowledge and appreciation;
• Energize the creative spirit and out-of-the-box innovation;
• Stress the over-arching message of 'Recycle and Reuse' rather than discard waste.
  
  

"Recycling and reusing discarded waste remains one of the most important ways we can be responsible stewards of our environment," said CPS Sustainability Manager Meredith C. McDermott. "We are excited to join forces with our exclusive waste services partner, Lakeshore Recycling Systems, to make Recycling Renegades a groundswell legacy project that delivers a measurable impact for current and future generations."

LRS Managing Partner Joshua Connell concurred, adding that LRS has built a highly-successful business by doing what's right for the environment: "Our entire operating model is based on diverting as much waste from landfills as possible through recycling, and that high-impact programs like Recycling Renegades can arm the next generation with the knowledge and innovation they need to truly care for the environment."

More details about Recycling Renegades will be announced in the coming months, with the official launch taking place this fall.

Chicago Public Schools serves 396,000 students in 664 schools and is the nation's third-largest school district. LRS services began Jan. 1, 2014, and today LRS saves CPS approximately $1.5M annually through the implementation of programs designed to streamline and economize previous service levels.

With primary operations in Chicago and its suburbs, LRS is a diversified waste services company providing commercial, residential, recycling and roll-off waste collection and diversion services to more than 6,000 commercial and municipal customers. LRS operates five Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in Illinois, and is the recent recipient of Chicago Public Schools' coveted Best Partnership Award for suppliers who demonstrate superior commitment to students and a strong track record of collaboration. The company processes more than 1.5 million tons of waste material annually and controls and processes more waste than any other private company in Illinois.

About Lakeshore Recycling Systems

Serving Chicagoland for more than 15 years and headquartered in Morton Grove, Ill., Lakeshore Recycling Systems is Chicago's leading recycling and waste diversion services provider. LRS provides recycling and waste diversion programs, affordable roll-off container services and comprehensive waste removal to businesses and residential homeowners. LRS operates a growing fleet of natural gas-powered trucks and is run by more than 400 committed full-time employees. In addition to servicing all 658 schools in the Chicago Public Schools system, LRS actively participates in the City of Chicago's Blue Cart Residential Recycling Program and is committed to raising awareness and fostering discussion on the importance of recycling and environmental sustainability. Learn more and follow the company at www.lrsrecycles.com, 'Like' us on Facebook and follow on Twitter @LRSRecycles.