Since 1991, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has been pioneering efforts to divert waste from landfills through recycling various materials. These include electronics, batteries, paints, household chemicals, and more. SWALCO collaborates with 43 municipalities within Lake County to achieve its mission. Executive Director Walter Willis attributes their success to creativity and education.
SWALCO recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in Gurnee. Guests at the event enjoyed speeches and lunch before touring the facility. Willis highlighted the role of waste haulers in transforming waste management practices. For instance, SWALCO worked with haulers to combine food scraps with yard waste for composting. This initiative prevents tons of food waste from reaching landfills.
“We continue to make more things recyclable,” Willis said during the celebration.
SWALCO’s achievements were showcased, demonstrating effective solid waste management to Lake County representatives. The concept of managing solid waste is relatively recent. In 1986, the idea for a solid waste management plan emerged. Soon after, the Illinois General Assembly mandated larger municipalities and counties to develop such plans. Lake County was a leader in this endeavor.
Recycling Coordinator Peter Adrian explained the importance of cooperating with municipalities to foster recycling efforts. Each town in Lake County has embraced recycling under SWALCO’s guidance. The motto, “Recycle first, trash last,” resonates strongly.
While residential recycling thrives under community partnerships with waste haulers, commercial recycling poses more challenges. Highwood was the first city to adopt commercial recycling, followed by Highland Park. Individual businesses often handle their waste contracts, yet communities can mandate commercial recycling by contracting haulers for all local businesses.
Several towns, including Deerfield, Bannockburn, Libertyville, Grayslake, and others now have commercial recycling programs. Extended initiatives are in place in North Chicago, Lincolnshire, and Lake Villa, with Waukegan running a pilot program.
Education improves recycling compliance. In Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion, where many were misusing recycling bins, SWALCO initiated a canvassing effort last March. This reduced incorrect recycling significantly by educating over 800 customers.
SWALCO provides solutions for non-bin recyclables, like batteries, paint, and clothing at its Gurnee plant. Senior Communications Manager Emily Wachter outlined safety measures, including a high expansion foam fire suppression system. This system protects against fires from potentially flammable items like batteries and certain chemicals.
Peter Adrian added that handling these items often involves external agencies, such as the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Items are broken down into raw materials or shredded for new uses. However, around 5% of collected items cannot be recycled.