Global Recycling Foundation asks children from across the world to be better recycling citizens on Global Recycling Day, 18 March 2019

Ahead of its second Global Recycling Day, 18 March 2019, the Global Recycling Foundation is asking children across the world to make better recycling practices in 2019. To help, a list of “seven recycling promises to become a global recycling citizen” has been created, which families, school and youth orientated clubs are being invited to download and share.


Youth and education is a key pillar of Global Recycling Day’s 2019 theme “Recycling into the Future” which was announced in October. Global Recycling Day 2019 will focus on the power of youth, education and innovation in ensuring a brighter future for the planet.

The seven recycling promises to become a global recycling citizen are:

1. Use less things made of plastic
How can I use less things made of plastic, and recycle those that cannot be reused? Things like drinking bottles, straws and plastic bags.
2. Help friends follow the recycling rules
Am I making sure me and my family, and my school, follow our local recycling instructions?
3. Repair and reuse old things
Do I really need everything to be new – am I mending, repairing and reusing the things I own (e.g. clothes, toys, games)?
4. Only put clean, dry items in my recycling box
Am I doing all I can to make sure the stuff we recycle is dry, clean and in the right collection bins each week?
5. Look online and share with friends
How can I learn more about recycling, and how can I help my family and my friends also be more aware?
6. Don’t forget other materials
Do I know how to recycle things like electronics when I no longer want them?
7. Remember to recycle packaging
Do I recycle packaging when I open and use new things?

The ‘seven recycling promises to become a global recycling citizen is easy to download and share and can be accessed via the Global Recycling Day website. It will soon be available in French and German, with the possibility of it being available in more languages in the near future. The aim is for children, schools and families to download and use these as inspiring messages and motivators to helping the recycling industry.

Children are being asked to join a worldwide movement in the build up to Global Recycling Day 2019, and consider themselves as global recycling citizens, blazing a trail for a more sustainable future and a healthier planet.

The list reflects hot topics in the recycling industry, from single use plastics to climate change and the circular economy. The promises also allow children to think about how they can be more involved in creating good recycling habits, and to get them thinking about this from a young age.

Due to the success of Global Recycling Day 2018 with over 13 million people across the world taking part in celebrations of the initiative, the brand new Global Recycling Foundation was launched by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) in October 2018. The Foundation will run as an independent organisation, as well as overseeing Global Recycling Day 2019, which is taking place on 18th March. Global Recycling Day is an international initiative aimed at raising awareness of the need to recycle in preserving the future of the planet.