A presentation of the SWANCC's services and opportunities for processing electronic and food waste has been heard by the committee.
A presentation of the SWANCC's services and opportunities for processing electronic and food waste has been heard by the committee.
The Mount Prospect Committee of the Whole heard a presentation on the current status of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) at its Jan. 12 meeting.
The village is a charter member of SWANCC. The agreement to send all of the village's residential and multi-family garbage to SWANCC's Glenview Transfer Station expires in 2031. In addition to disposing of the village's refuse, SWANCC provides consulting and educational services.
While the agreement requires members to send solid waste to the transfer station, SWANCC encourages recycling efforts by the communities. Among the latest industry trends are opportunities to recycle electronic waste and discarded food and food waste. Because SWANCC members pay by the ton, removing recyclables from the trash saves money.
After the presentation, the committee discussed electronic recycling and the current state electronic recycling bill. Sorting and separating recyclables were also discussed; approximately 15 percent of recyclables are contaminated and unsuitable for resale. Contaminated recyclables are sent to the landfill. Educating the public on how to increase recycling was discussed, as well.
The committee noted that Barrington, Illinois, has started a food scrap recycling program. The pilot program allows residents to recycle food scraps with yard waste. After discussing the refuse and recycling contract -- which is due to expire in 2017 -- and reviewing other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Alerts Sign-up