Equal Access to Recycling
By Allison Majerus
July was Disability Pride Month, which celebrates people with disabilities and recognizes the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We at the Nebraska Recycling Council are committed to increasing access to recycling services and resources for all Nebraskans.
Here’s some things we have done:
- in 2021, we facilitated a Recycling Access webinar with Gloria Eddins and Hillary Scanlon, two women with disabilities, about their experience with recycling
- in 2022, we held initial outreach conversations with disabled individuals and organizations who serve them to learn first hand about their experiences, challenges and thoughts about recycling
- in 2023, we attended the National Federation of the Blind Nebraska State Convention in March and are planning a NRC fall conference session about recycling access, focused on disability, rural populations, and language
- we are developing concrete plans for 2024….more to come!
You might ask, what can YOU do to increase access at your business, recycling center or in your community?
Here’s some suggestions:
- watch our recycling access webinar to learn first-hand
- talk to your customers and community members about what they need to improve access, if anything, and listen
- provide recycling information in multiple ways (paper, if necessary, electronic on your website and social media with alt text)
- be willing to assist when someone asks for help at a recycling drop-off location and curbside
Please reach out to Program Director Allison Majerus (402-436-2384, ext. 102, [email protected]) if you:
- have a disability and would like to share your recycling experience
- want to learn more about how you can provide better recycling access for people with disabilities