Chicago recycling ordinance not enforced, IG audit shows; city made 'no attempt' to enforce

City is reevaluating recycling program, Lightfoot says

ByABC 7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Audit by City Inspector General shows city made 'no attempt' to enforce recycling ordinance
Chicago city leaders admitted they need to do better at enforcing the recycling ordinance across the city.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An audit by the City Inspector General showed the city made "no attempt" to enforce the recycling ordinance at apartments, condos and businesses.

The ordinance requires buildings with five or more units to provide recycling services.

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In a news conference Thursday morning, city leaders admitted they need to do better.

"Part of the challenge with recycling is that the market for recycled products has really just fallen off precipitously," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. "That's part of the challenge. But we're in the process of reevaluating everything about our recycling program."