North Cook News

Waste Management presented issues pertaining to recycling and recyclables to the Elgin Sustainability Commission on Oct. 13.

While the public wants to recycle, too many non-recyclables end up in the recycling bins.

Community-based recycling strategies that rely on social marketing and community partners to educate the average consumer are more successful than traditional advertising campaigns. The Recycle Often Recycle Right campaign helps residents understand why Waste Management asks them to recycle only bottles, cans and papers; avoid putting food and liquids in the recycle bins; and not put plastic bags in the recycling.

The commission discussed ways to emphasize the recycling campaign and how to avoid contaminated recycling, which is the primary problem in Elgin. The commission discussed how China has become stricter on what it will accept for recycling. The commission also discussed a plastic bag ordinance and educational campaigns for the public in both Spanish and English.

Theft-related concerns at the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin garden were discussed by the commission. Suggestions included increasing police presence in the neighborhood during harvest time and setting up volunteer days to help with fencing and planting.

Topics planned for the November meeting included solar power, chickens and the Partners for Places grant proposal. Each commissioner was asked to bring an idea or project to the next meeting.