WasteNot Joins Forces With Trash People To Support Community Clean-Ups
Chicago, IL, February 2, 2026 - Trash People announced a new partnership with WasteNot to support grassroots clean-up and community-building efforts across Chicago.
As the sustainability sponsor of Trash People, WasteNot pledged $20,000 in funding to support the nonprofit organization’s operations and initiatives including its trash cleanups in several Chicago neighborhoods, The Volunteer Fair, which aims to connect community members with local non-profit and mutual aid community organizations, and The Parlor, a resource redistribution project that collects and recirculates unwanted clothing and household items to those who need them.
WasteNot's retired 5-gallon compost buckets will be repurposed to equip Trash People volunteers at upcoming clean-up events.
Penny Gibbons, Founder & Executive Director of Trash People, said:
“WasteNot’s sponsorship of our community projects has come at a critical time, when it is harder than ever to secure funding for grassroots community work. This contribution will allow us to continue to grow our community programming throughout 2026 - we’re excited to host more clean-ups, add more Trash People groups in neighborhoods around the city, and continue our work supporting other non-profits and mutual aid groups through The Volunteer Fair and The Parlor.”
Liam Donnelly, CEO & Founder of WasteNot, said:
“WasteNot is excited to support Trash People and their important grassroots community-building initiatives. As part of our mission to make the communities we serve more sustainable, we’re proud to support a nonprofit that shares our vision for a trash-free future. WasteNot has been working to show Chicago that composting makes you cooler and we are excited to support Trash People’s efforts to make community clean-ups just as cool.”
WasteNot and Trash People will be co-hosting a variety of cleanups and events throughout 2026 including a free compost giveback event during International Compost Awareness Week in May to promote Chicago’s circular economy.
About Trash People
Trash People is a grassroots nonprofit organization founded in Logan Square that aims to bring neighbors together over a shared care for the community. Since 2022, Trash People’s grassroots collective has logged 20,000 volunteer hours cleaning up Chicago neighborhoods and built lasting relationships among community members. Trash People also organize The Volunteer Fair, and The Parlor, a resource redistribution project for people and planet.
About WasteNot
WasteNot is Chicagoland's leading zero-emissions compost collection service for homes, businesses, and events, using a 100 % electric vehicle fleet to divert food scraps and organic waste from landfills and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in Chicago in 2015, WasteNot makes composting easy and accessible with curbside pickup, sustainable product offerings, and community-focused programs that help members track their impact and support a greener, circular local economy.
