The Challenge's goal is to energize industry, government, communities, and institutions to broaden and deepen recycling across all sectors of the economy by making commitments to better protect our natural resources, improve our quality of life, and strengthen our economy. These commitments will span six action areas aimed at increasing the national recycling rate from 27% to 35%:

The Challenge, an initiative of the White House Council of Environmental Quality, is being led by the Federal Environmental Executive, Chair of the White House Task Force on Recycling. The National Recycling Challenge involves all of us - not just the Federal government. Participation is open to any business; non-government organization; school or university; or federal, state, or local government entity.

Improve Efficiency in Recycling

In order for recycling to work, municipalities and companies must continually find ways to drive costs out of their systems and improve the quality and quantity of recovered materials. We must continually strive to improve the efficiency of all recycling operations. Our goal is to make recycling even more economically and environmentally sound.

Bolster Community and Economic Development Through Recycling

As the American economy continues its remarkable and robust transition into the post-industrial era, more and more jobs and opportunities will be concentrated in the clean industries of the future. Community and economic development through recycling can and should be one engine of economic growth in our communities. Our goal is to make recycling create more jobs in our communities and further strengthen our economy.

Bring Forward Innovations in Recycling Through New Technologies, Products, Policies or Building Practices

New processes, new designs, and targeted research and development to enhance all elements of recycling are essential building blocks of the National Recycling Challenge. Innovation can take many forms, whether in new technologies, creating or requesting new products, helping to shape new policies, or adapting recycling to building projects. Our goal is to stimulate innovative recycling programs throughout the U.S. in all of these areas.

Promote Designs for Recycling

Early planning for recycling opportunities in the initial design of products and the production or construction process can quickly expand the amount of materials recycled and make the inter-related recycling processes work much more smoothly. "Design for Recycling" focuses on setting up processes to enhance production, reduce waste, reclaim resources, protect the environment, and benefit the public. Our goal is to increase the number of products and processes designed for recycling.

Close the Recycling Loop

Government, industry, institutions, and yes, each of us as individuals and consumers - both at work and at home - need to commit to build a stronger marketplace for recycled goods. When we purchase a recycled content product, we are making a contribution to reducing energy consumption, reducing pollution, building new business opportunities, and conserving more of our national resources for our future generations. Our goal is to collect, market, and utilize more recyclables and become a more active steward of products throughout their lifecycle.

Champion Outreach and Education for Recycling

It's simply not enough that only those "in the know" are equipped with the facts about why we as a nation must recycle and how recycling is helping to secure our children's future. We must make a concerted effort to get the word out about 'why' we are recycling and why we need to do more-again, across all components of recycling. Our goal is to get the "word" out - to increase awareness - which translates into more active and effective participants in increasing recycling, purchasing recycled content products, and supporting recycling initiatives.

America's children need your help to secure the environment for their future. You can make your commitments by taking the National Recycling Challenge. Submit two to three paragraphs to the White House Task Force on Recycling at: task_force@ofee.gov. The first paragraph should include information about your organizations recycling accomplishments. The second and third paragraphs should include your new commitment to the Challenge. Please be sure to include, along with your organization's name, a contact name, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address.