City of Pekin Unveils Toter the Turtle as Part of New Recycling Educational Effort

The City of Pekin is pleased to unveil a new mascot and theme for its recycling program. “Toter Turtle” will be introduced to area schoolchildren through educational packages to be distributed this fall.

Created by McDaniels Marketing of Pekin, the educational program is intended to make recycling more fun, while Toter Turtle helps children learn more about the ways they can help “Grow Marigolds, Not Landfills.” The theme, materials and logo are centered on Pekin’s “Marigold City” identity.

Research indicates that one of the most effective ways to boost participation of recycling by adults is to educate their children. That’s why the City of Pekin is distributing posters and pledge cards to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The educational packages were created to help teachers to educate and excite students about the program.

What’s Involved
Children will be challenged to get family members to make a “Pledge to Recycle.” Each child will take a pledge card home and encourage parents to join the effort. All schools who return at least 65 percent of their pledge cards will receive a donation of $200. The educational package even includes some child-friendly items like Toter Turtle rub-off tattoos and packets of Marigold seeds. The City will also work with Pekin Community High School science teachers to help promote the importance of recycling both at home and on campus. Of course, the goal is to boost recycling participation by Pekin residents and the overall tonnage of recyclables collected, thus reducing pressure on landfill space and expense to the City. It’s a win, win!

The City has experienced a 12 percent increase in curbside tonnage collections over the last year. According to Pekin City Manager Joe Wuellner, “The increases we’re seeing in recycling participation mean that we can significantly reduce what we’ve been paying in landfill fees while simultaneously paying back into the program with the income we receive for recyclables.”

The City of Pekin has new, 65-gallon recycling toters, which are free upon request. Citizens are encouraged to call (309) 477-2325 during the second week of October to get their new "red top" toters. More information on the City of Pekin recycling program can be found at: www.pekinrecycling.com.

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