Recycling in the City of Evanston

Explanation of Current Issue:

According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the majority of Illinoisans waste is recyclable but residents are not utilizing the multitudes of services available to them in order to create a more sustainable planet. This presents a plethora of issues considering there is no more landfill space left in Cook County. The garbage produced in the state of Illinois is exported to Wisconsin and New York landfills, as well as some areas of Southern Illinois.

Solution:
As a means to reduce the amount of waste that is landfilled, the City of Evanston launched the G.R.E.E.N program, which stands for Greater Recycling in Every Evanston Neighborhood. This program is a citywide recycling program that picks up recyclables the same day a refuse.

1. Overview of What can be Recycled by the G.R.E.E.N Program A. Cans and Foil:
Aluminum is made from non-renewable natural resources so it is imperative to recycle these types of products. Overall, a recycled aluminum can takes 95% less energy to make than a new aluminum can. Through the G.R.E.E.N program, these types of cans and foil products are recyclable: steel-tin cans and bi-metal cans; empty aerosol cans; aluminum beverages and pet food cans; clean aluminum foil and foil containers; empty and clean paint cans; metal lids and bottle caps

B. Paper:

In Evanston, more than 20 tons of paper is recycled everyday. For each ton of paper recycled, 17 trees are given a longer life. Through the G.R.E.E.N program, these types of paper products are recyclable: newspaper and inserts; office paper and envelopes; gift wrap and paper tissue; magazines, catalogues, phone books and soft cover books; flattened cardboard; chipboard including cereal and Kleenex boxes, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, food and shoe boxes, egg cartons; paper bags; shredded paper; juice and milk cartons

C. Plastic:

Plastic is made from non-renewable natural resources so it is imperative to recycle these products. Overall, plastics with #1 and #2 make up about 85% of plastic packaging. Americans use as much oil to make plastic as used to run all automobiles in the country. Through the G.R.E.E.N program, these types of plastics are recyclable: containers, bottles, and lids labeled #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, including liter soda bottles; milk, water and juice containers; food containers; liquid detergent bottles; fabric softener bottles; bleach and shampoo bottles; containers (narrow neck) labeled #7; 6 pack and 12 pack rings

D. Glass:

All colors of glass bottles and jars are recyclable just rinse and place in proper recyclables bin.

E. Plastic Store Bags:

Many stores including Jewel-Osco and Target offer the customer the opportunity to return their plastic bag to the store to be recycled. Upon entering the store, usually there are bins in front with a sign that demonstrates what goes where.

2. Items not Recyclable through Evanstons Program

Plastic bags or packaging; #6 plastic (polystyrene), foam packaging (styrofoam) or polylactide (PLA) containers (e.g. corn starch or sugar cane based); scrap metal, cookware or utensils; partially filled aerosol or paint cans; foil-lined, wax, plastic or PLA coated paper (includes coffee cups and pet food bags); hard bound books; paper towels or foodcontaminated paper (e.g. greasy pizza boxes); film or photos; dishware, ceramics or glassware; window glass or
Citizens' Greener Evanston (CGE) acts to improve community control of our greenhouse gas emissions. We promote community awareness, advocate public policies, and make connections to support a regional sustainability agenda. greenerevanston.org

mirrors; light bulbs; toys; or oil, antifreeze, pesticide or herbicide containers.

3. Preparing Materials for Pick-Up

Precycle - avoid buying products in containers that cannot be recycled; Rinse all bottles, cans and containers; flatten cardboard boxes and larger containers; labels and plastic caps do not need to be removed; place cans, bottles and paper together in container

4. Special Pick-Up Items A. Appliances:

City of Evanston Appliance Recycling Pick-Up Program accepts many types of large appliances free of charge. Call the Department of Streets and Sanitation at (847) 866-2940 to schedule a pick-up. The city will pick up the following items: washers and dryers; ovens and ranges; dishwashers; refrigerators with the doors removed

B. Batteries:

Batteries that are accepted include: Household Alkaline Batteries such as AA, AAA, C, D as well as 9 Volt batteries. Rechargeable Batteries are also accepted and include: NiCad, NiMh, lithium ion, and lithium polymer. Prior to dropping off any batteries, ensure to tape the contact points on each battery or place in an individual self-locking plastic baggie to avoid sparks. Drop-off locations in Evanston include the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center and the Evanston Levy Senior Center

C. Electronics:

According to the United State Environmental Protection Agency consumer electronics, including TVs and other video equipment, computers, assorted peripherals, audio equipment, and phones, make up almost 2% of the municipal solid waste stream. Although electronics comprise a small percentage of the total solid waste stream, the quantity of electronic waste that we are generating is steadily increasing. In 1998, the National Safety Council Study estimated about 20 million computers became obsolete in one year. Fast forward to 2007, that number has more than doubled according to EPA's most recent estimates. Recycling electronics helps reduce pollution that would be generated while manufacturing a new product and the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. It also reduces the energy used in new product manufacturing The major issue that is associated electronic waste is the damaging greenhouse gases that are accumulated from improper disposal. GHGs are responsible for global climate change and it is essential to lower these. Local Electronic Waste Recycling Drop Off Programs City of Evanston: The City of Evanston has partnered with Recycling Avenue, an organization that provides job opportunities for the physically challenged, to collect electronic waste for recycling; Community members may drop off cell phones, cordless phones, digital cameras, video recorders, laptop computers, MP3 players and ink cartridges for recycling at the following location during normal business hours: Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center - Health and Human Services Department, 2100 Ridge Ave.

D. Fluorescent Bulbs:

The City of Evanston is cooperating with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and has begun accepting drop-offs of spent compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for recycling; Community members may drop off their CFLs Mondays through Fridays during business hours at either the Health Department of Health, 2100 Ridge Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring the bulbs in zip-lock-type baggies.

E. Medications and Mercury Thermometers Disposal:

The City of Evanston's Health Department continues its cooperation with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) to give residents the opportunity to dispose of their mercury-containing thermometers, thermostats and wall switches, unused prescription medications and sharps. Evanston residents can bring their items to the Environmental Health Division located at 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201; At the citys Health Department, mercury thermometers will be exchanged for new, mercury-free oral thermometers at no cost. Supplies
Citizens' Greener Evanston (CGE) acts to improve community control of our greenhouse gas emissions. We promote community awareness, advocate public policies, and make connections to support a regional sustainability agenda. greenerevanston.org

of replacement thermometers are limited. Residentially generated unused prescriptions, expired over-the-counter drugs, and needles known as sharps will also be collected. No other hazardous or special wastes will be accepted.

F. Yard waste:

Yard waste is collected on regular refuse/recycling collection day beginning April 4 th and ending December 9th Residents have three options for disposal of yard waste: 1.) Place yard waste in paper yard waste bags, such as 30 gallon Kraft Paper Lawn Waste Bags, available in packages at local stores. Plastic bags will not be collected. A Yard Waste Sticker must be purchased and affixed to each lawn waste paper bag. 2.) Compost and mulch to recycle the earth's nutrients, save money, and conserve vanishing landfill space. 3.) Fill City of Evanston 90-gallon Yard Waste Carts, available for purchase at $82.50 each. These reusable carts do not require the use of bags.

E. Composting Program for Yard Waste:

The City of Evanston Public Works Department is conducting a backyard compost program which aids residents in turning yard waste, leaves, and other organic compounds into a natural fertilizer; Evanston's Public Works department is providing Evanston residents with repurposed 95-gallon garbage containers to be used as compost bins. The city has created these compost bins from reclaimed 95-gallon garbage carts and will provide them to residents at no charge while supplies last. To obtain one of these compost bins while supplies last, residents should either e-mail their request with name, phone number and address to publicworks@cityofevanston.org or call 3-1-1 to place their order; the city asks that only one compost bin per household. Bins will be delivered while supplies last, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Composting allows your household to reduce the amount of food that would normally go into a landfill and reduce the need for purchasing yard waste bags and stickers. Composting food and yard waste will result in the creation of a natural material that can be used for mulch and soil amendment.

SOURCE LIST: Citizens Greener Evanston: Recycling and Waste: http://www.greenerevanston.org/recycling_and_waste.php City of Evanston: Composting Program http://www.cityofevanston.org/sustainability/waste-reduction-recycling/composting-program/ City of Evanston: Recycling and Waste https://www.cityofevanston.org/recycling-waste/ City of Evanston: Yard Waste http://www.cityofevanston.org/recycling-waste/yard-waste/ Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: Recycling http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste/recycling.html United States Environmental Protection Agency: Wastes: Resource Conservation-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/rrr/

Citizens' Greener Evanston (CGE) acts to improve community control of our greenhouse gas emissions. We promote community awareness, advocate public policies, and make connections to support a regional sustainability agenda. greenerevanston.org