Important changes in recycling will affect residents locally

America Recycles Day Nov. 15

November 15 is America Recycles Day and officials from Will County are using this important date to educate residents about significant changes in the recycling protocol.

Will County has been very successful in its recycling efforts and has created a website dedicated to informing residents about safe recycling practices for various items including electronics and hazardous household goods as well as hosting collection events throughout the county to simplify the process.

“I am very proud of our recycling efforts in Will County,” said Larry Walsh, Will County Executive. “We have led the country in some of our innovative programs for our residents and have used many green initiatives in our county buildings. While these changes will impact our recycling efforts, our staff is working hard to find alternative measures to accommodate all our needs.”

Plastic bags, tangled items such as hangers, hoses, wires, cords, ropes, or chains, or any type of clothing will no longer be accepted in the recycling bins. Food, liquid, diapers, batteries, needles and shredded paper will no longer be accepted in the recycling bins. Methods for recycling these items can be found on the website, www.willcountygreen.com. Large items such as electronics, wood, propane tanks, scrap metal, or Styrofoam can only be recycled at special collection events which can also be found on the website.

These new rules are a result of significant changes initiated in 2017 by China, one of the world’s largest recyclers, that has upended recycling programs across the United States. China
has implemented strict bans on accepting these items.

“We appreciate our residents accommodating these changes in our recycling protocol,” Walsh said “Recycling programs continue to evolve to become more convenient and effective. Responsible recycling is still the best method of protecting our natural resources. I encourage all of our residents to visit the website www.willcountygreen.com to learn more about our successful programs.”

America Recycles Day began in Texas in 1994 to boost recycling across the state. The event revolved around buying recycled products and encouraging residents to sign pledge cards to recycle at home, school, at work and at play. It has since grown to include nearly 74,000 people signing pledge cards and 1.5 million people participating in events across the country.

For more information about America Recycles Day, visit the website www.americarecyclesday.org.

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Documents to download

America Recycles Day 2018(.pdf, 170.61 KB) - 308 download(s)