Despite brisk temperatures on Feb. 28, residents turned out in near record numbers for a Kane County recycling collection event, making it the most well-attended recycling event since 2018.
A total of 1,032 vehicles passed through the site.
The paper shredding station saw especially strong demand. Residents recycled 32,760 pounds of paper, marking the largest volume collected at a shred event since 2021. Participants took advantage of the secure shredding opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents while keeping paper waste out of landfills.
Battery recycling also exceeded expectations. While batteries are not individually weighed, staff filled three 500-pound barrels, totaling at least 1,500 pounds of batteries collected for proper handling and recycling.
Electronics, clothing, textiles and books filled approximately one full 53-foot trailer, about 18,000 pounds in total. By weight, the materials were estimated to be:
75% electronics
10% clothing and textiles
15% books and paper
Fluorescent lamp recycling included approximately 200 four-foot tubes and 300 compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), helping prevent mercury-containing materials from entering the waste stream.
Residents also brought:
168 aerosol cans for proper disposal
Approximately half of a 53-foot trailer of Styrofoam
Residents looking for guidance on how and where to recycle various items are encouraged to consult the county’s Green Guide. The guide provides comprehensive information on recycling events and options throughout the county and can be accessed here:
https://www.kanecountyil.gov/Recycling/Pages/greenGuide.aspx
