Alhambra Recycles Campaign
Location
Alhambra, California
timeline
2025
Role
Consultant
Services
More Info
Transforming organics recycling from a requirement into a community-driven movement, Alhambra Recycles connects policy, education, and storytelling to make sustainable waste practices accessible and engaging.
Launched in response to California’s SB 1383 legislation, the campaign was designed to increase participation in organics recycling, reduce contamination, and ensure equitable access to information. City Fabrick partnered with the City of Alhambra to develop a comprehensive communications strategy that translated complex waste systems into clear, approachable guidance. Through multilingual materials, consistent messaging, and a unified visual identity, the campaign reached residents across diverse communities. The results were measurable. The city diverted more than 1,100 additional tons of recyclable and organic material from landfill and avoided approximately 488 metric tons of CO₂ emissions . These gains reflect how clear communication and thoughtful design can drive behavior change at scale.
Urban + Systems
Planning + Policy
Building + Interior
Landscape Architecture
Graphic
At the center of the campaign is Compost Charlie, a playful “Worm of Wisdom” who serves as the voice of the program. Through humor, storytelling, and simple language, Charlie translates technical recycling rules into everyday actions that feel intuitive and memorable. City Fabrick developed a full suite of materials including waste sorting guides, brochures, bookmarks, social media graphics, lawn signs, transit ads, and posters. Each piece reinforces clarity while building a recognizable and approachable identity across all platforms.
Engagement
The campaign met residents where they are through a strong presence at local events including the Pumpkin Run, National Night Out, and Mission at Twilight, reaching thousands of community members Interactive tools brought the campaign to life. A digital engagement screen featuring the Compost Charlie Sorting Game allowed residents to test their knowledge in real time, while photo booths, branded environments, and giveaways created memorable, hands-on experiences that reinforced learning through participation.
