Press Release - Thursday, November 15, 2007
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Illinois EPA encourages efforts to reuse, reduce and recycle on America Recycles Day
SPRINGFIELD - Marking America Recycles Day, Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott urges people throughout Illinois to recycle whenever possible in order to limit the negative impact on the environment by keeping tons of potential waste out of Illinois landfills.
"While the Illinois EPA and many Illinoisans support and participate in recycling programs throughout the year, America Recycles Day offers an opportunity to revisit successful practices as well as develop new recycling habits," said Director Scott.
America Recycles Day, and its Illinois affiliate, the Illinois Recycling Association, is a national all-volunteer, non-profit organization, whose mission is to hold an annual national awareness event to promote the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled products. Its goal is to increase recycling and the purchase of recycled content products throughout America. (Information on Illinois EPA sponsored programs and how to participate is found on the Attachment.)
Recycling is a way for citizens to be environmental stewards in their communities, and a way to preserve the environment for future generations. Materials like glass, metal, plastics, and paper can be collected, separated and sent to facilities that can process them into new materials or products.
Recycling plastic, glass or aluminum cans is not the only way to be environmentally friendly. During the holidays, giving reusable gifts can have a big impact on the environment. Give items that do not generate packaging waste, and that are non-disposable, sustainable and reusable, such as mugs, plants and lunchbags.
During home renovations, consider your actions before throwing out unwanted items. Objects such as windows, doors, lighting, cabinets, tiles, vanities, and sinks frequently end up in landfills, when they can be reused, recycled, or donated to businesses and residents in the community.
Other actions you can take to recycle include:
· Set up a recycling center in your home.
· Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible.
· Buy products in reusable containers such as glass jars and sturdy plastic dairy tubs. Reuse these containers when buying bulk foods and for storage.
· Some families spend over $260 each year on paper towels and napkins. Switch to cloth napkins, sponges, and cloth towels or wipes.
· Avoid single-use products such as disposable razors, diapers and lighters.
· Use a coffee mug when purchasing coffee at your favorite coffee shop. This simple action will help save 500 disposable cups per person from being thrown away each year.
Some of the benefits of recycling include:
- Conserves resources for our children's future
- Prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants
- Saves energy
- Supplies valuable raw materials to industry
- Creates jobs
- Stimulates the development of greener technologies
- Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators
Creating a strong market for recycled products is an important key in completing the recycling process or "closing the loop." Consumers close the loop when they purchase products made from recycled materials. Buying recycled has both economic and environmental benefits, and purchasing products that are made from or packaged in recycled materials saves resources for future generations.
To learn more about recycling and find out why it is important, how it works, and the do's and don'ts about recycling, visit www.illinoisrecycles.org.
(See Attachment)
The Illinois EPA sponsors several recycling oriented programs, many of which communities can become involved. Please call Waste Reduction Unit at (217) 785-8604?for more information on co-sponsoring one of these important recycling efforts:
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Household Hazardous Waste Collections |
The Illinois EPA sponsored 20 household hazardous waste collections in 2007. Nearly 8,700 - 55 gallon drums of toxic and hazardous waste from Illinois residents was kept from landfill disposal from those and from long-term household hazardous waste facilities in Rockford, Chicago, Lake County and Naperville. The household products from those collections exhibit many of the same characteristics as industrial or commercial hazardous waste, and if they were not from households, would be strictly regulated. The collections offer homeowners a viable alternative to discarding the items with their regular trash and provides environmentally sound disposal. |
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Waste Tire Collection Program |
Used and waste tires that are not managed properly present a threat to human health and the environment due to the threat of fire and mosquito proliferation. Used and waste tires that are improperly managed provide a breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
Since the inception of Illinois EPA's Used Tire Program in 1990, more than 13 million used and waste tires have been removed from dumps throughout the state in over 1500 tire cleanups. The Illinois EPA conducts more than 1,000 inspections at used and waste tire sites annually to ensure compliance with environmental requirements, and to prevent the formation of new waste tire dumps. |
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Unused pharmaceuticals collections |
For years, IEPA has been collecting unused prescription drugs as part of its household hazardous waste collection program. It has recently stepped up its efforts and is partnering with local health departments, hospitals, and other groups to do local collections
Disposal of unused/unwanted pharmaceuticals is an emerging and complex issue. Recent United States Geological Survey studies have found traces of painkillers, hormones, antidepressants, blood-pressure medicines, and other medicines in water samples from 30 states. Studies have linked hormone exposure to reproductive defects in fish, and environmental exposure to antibiotics to the development of drug-resistant germs.
The Agency is working with various stakeholders to find convenient and environmentally responsible ways for residents to manage waste pharmaceuticals. Will, Kendall, McDonough, and Knox counties are participating in a pilot project to collect old and unwanted medicines from residents. |
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Illinois Reduces Illegal Dumps (I-RID) program |
The Illinois EPA started I-RID to facilitate the removal of illegally dumped waste and prevent future dumping on public and private lands. Since the statewide cleanups were launched, nearly 120 open dump cleanups throughout the state, in both rural and urban areas have occurred. Almost 300 tons of recyclable metal waste has been sent to salvage and recycling facilities and nearly 300 tons of tires have been collected and recycled. |
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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs ) |
The Illinois EPA is partnering with ComEd and Ace Hardware to provide free collection of compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, at 150 Chicagoland and Northeastern Illinois Ace Hardware stores. The pilot program runs through December 31, 2007, and may be extended. Mercury from the bulbs will be condensed and distilled/purified before being stockpiled or sold to the market. The aluminum end caps will be melted and put back into general uses in the aluminum metals market, and the glass will be recycled into a variety of products, most notably fiberglass. |
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