Solid Waste Recycling : Environmental Health & Animal Control : DeKalb County Health Department

Adhesives
Aerosol Cans
Aluminum Foil & Trays Ammunition
Antifreeze
Appliances
Asbestos
Auto Fluids
Auto Parts
Bags
Batteries
Books
Boxes
Branches & Brush
Building Materials
Cans
Car Wax
Cardboard
Carpet
Catalogs
Caulk & Caulk Tubing
Christmas Trees
Cleaners
Clothing
Compost
Drink Boxes
Drywall/Sheetrock
Dump
Explosives
Fertilizer
Floor Absorbent (Floor Dry)
Floor Wax
Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fuel
Fuel Storage Tanks
Furniture
Garden
Gasoline & Kerosene
Glass Bottles & Jars
Grass
Grocery Bags
Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste
Insulation
Juice Cartons
Junk Mail
Landfill
Landscape Waste
Leather Goods
Leaves
Light Bulbs
Magazines
Mercury
Metal
Milk Containers
Nail Polish
Nail Polish Remover
Needles
Newspaper
Office Paper
Oil
Oven Cleaner
Paint
Paint Cans
Paint Thinners
Paper Products

Paperboard Packaging
Pesticides
Phone Books
Plastics
Propane Tanks
Rural Recycling Drop-Off
Sheetrock/Drywall
Shingles
Shoes
Shopping Bags
Smoke Detectors
Solvent-Based Cleaners
Solvents
Spills
Spot Removers
Styrofoam
Syringes
Tar & Adhesive Pails
Textiles
Thermostats & Thermometers
Tin Cans
Tin Foil
Tires
Toys
Transmission Fluid
Trash Collection & Disposal
Varnish
Windows
Wood
Wrapping Paper
Yard Waste

ADHESIVES
Glues, caulking compounds, epoxy resins, pastes, joint filers, wood putty, grout, spackling compounds, and rubber cement.

Reuse-	Save and use adhesives for future projects.
Reduce-	Try to buy the smallest amount and least toxic adhesive needed for your project. The safest environmental choice is one that is water-soluble.
Disposal-	Water-based glues (like white school glue) can be placed in the trash. Epoxies and any adhesives that are flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or contain petroleum distillates should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.” If the container is empty or the product is completely dry, it can be put in the trash.

Recycle-	EMPTY aerosol cans can be recycled with metal cans. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Aerosol Cans cannot be reused. They contain propellants that may be harmful. Pump spray bottles can be reused (if thoroughly rinsed) for other things like misting plants.
Reduce-	Buy products in pump-type containers rather than aerosols. Some pump containers can be refilled.
Disposal-	Aerosol cans that are not empty should be treated as household hazardous waste and taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See "Hazardous Waste." Do not burn your aerosol cans; they are a safety hazard.

Recycle-	Aluminum foil and aluminum trays can be recycled through most DeKalb County curbside recycling programs and drop-off recycling centers. Please rinse them clean. See "DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs" and "Drop-Office Recycling Sites."
Reuse-	Wash and reuse aluminum foil more than one time. Aluminum trays can be used again for baking and heating food in a conventional oven.
Reduce-	Use reusable dishes and containers instead of aluminum foil or trays.
Disposal-	Residents can throw aluminum foil in the trash, but are strongly encouraged to recycle

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AMMUNITION:
Including fireworks and flares; call your local police.

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ANTIFREEZE:
Antifreeze contains chemicals that can be poisonous to humans and animals.

Recycle-	Have your antifreeze changed at an auto service center where they can recycle your antifreeze for you.
Reduce-	Purchase only the amount you need.
Disposal-	Antifreeze is a hazardous chemical. See “Hazardous Waste.”

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APPLIANCES:
If handled improperly, appliances can damage the environment because many contain freon PCB’s, and mercury.

Recycle-	Depending on the size and type, some drop off sites accept appliances for a fee. Only an authorized appliance recycler who is licensed to handle hazardous waste may collect and dismantle appliances. (Hazardous substances must be removed from appliances by licensed persons only.) Some new appliance dealers will take your old appliance when you buy a new one.
Reuse-	Repair old appliances when possible. However, very old appliances may not be energy efficient. You may save more energy and money in the long run by replacing old appliances with newer energy efficient models. Donate working appliances to charities or friends.

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ASBESTOS:
Asbestos was used in building construction (in items such as shingles, siding, insulation and linoleum) as fireproofing until the mid-1980’s when it was determined to be harmful to human health. The primary concern with handling asbestos is exposure to airborne fibers. These fibers, if inhaled can cause lung damage or cancer.

Disposal-

Asbestos is accepted at the DeKalb County landfill as a special waste. Call DeKalb County landfill at (815) 758-6906 for specific disposal procedures.

Recycle-	Many parts can be taken to scrap metal dealers. See yellow pages under “Scrap Metals.”
Reuse-	Find out if used or rebuilt engines or parts are available from a salvage dealer (see “Automobile Parts & Supplies-Used and Rebuilt” in the phone book yellow pages).

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BAGS

Grocery/Shopping
Paper or Plastic? Both types of bags are made from natural resources and have different environmental impacts so there is not a clear choice to which is preferable. The best solution is a durable, reusable bag.

Recycle-	Some stores will take back their own plastic shopping bags for recycling. DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs do not collect plastic shopping bags.
Reuse-	Paper bags can be reused to wrap packages, as book covers or to put your newspapers in for recycling. Plastic bags can be reused as storage bags for baked goods, as trash bags, or to carry wet items such as swim wear.
Disposal-	Plastic bags that cannot be returned to the store can be put in the regular trash. Do not burn your plastic bags; they are a safety hazard.

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BATTERIES
Some batteries contain metals such as mercury, lithium, nickel, and/or cadmium, which can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly.

Recycle-

Auto batteries
DO NOT throw them in the trash or bury them! They should be taken to a reclaimer to be recycled. By Illinois law, any business that sells new batteries and replaces them in your car is required to take back you old battery for recycling.

Rechargeable batteries (usually Nickel, Cadmium or “NICAD”) Some stores selling these batteries also take them back.
Bring them to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.

Mercury “button” batteries
These are commonly found in hearing aids, watches and cameras. Bring these to a household hazardous waste collection day. Some stores who sell these also take them back.

Household (alkaline) batteries
New alkaline batteries (batteries purchased after 1991) have much smaller amounts of mercury and require no special handling. Alkaline batteries can be recycled, which is recommended, by taking them to an electronics collection. These collections also include non-automotive batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Recycle-	Books can be recycled in some parts of DeKalb County. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling sites.”
Reuse-	Share books with friends or neighbors. Donate books to libraries or charities. Sell or buy them at garage sales or used book stores.
Reduce-	Instead of buying a book, see if its available at a library.
Disposal-	If recycling is not available to you, and its unwanted or unusable, they may be placed in the trash.

Corrugated

Has two thin layers separated by wavy layers in the middle-such as grocery store boxes and appliance boxes.

Recycle-	Clean corrugated cardboard can be recycled through curbside collection or at a recycling center. Corrugated cardboard that has a waxy coating, has attached styrofoam supports, is wet, or otherwise contaminated, is not recyclable and should be put in the trash. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Reuse cardboard boxes for storage, hauling, carrying groceries, moving, etc.

Food	Boxboard is one layer of cardboard that is white or gray on the inside. Examples are cereal, frozen food, and beer and pop boxes.
Recycle-	Clean boxboard can be recycled. Break down the boxes and remove all inside packaging. In some parts of DeKalb County, wasted disposal providers and recycling drop-off centers collect milk and juice boxes. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reduce-	Buy foods with less packaging. Whenever possible, buy in bulk or in bags or bottles that can be reused.
Disposal-	If boxboard cannot be recycled in your area, it can be thrown in the trash.

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BRANCHES
See “Landscape Waste.”

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BUILDING
Waste materials that result from construction and remodeling.

Recycle-	Separate such items as metal, clean wood, clean corrugated cardboard. These items can be recycled. See “Boxes” and “Metals.”
Reuse-	Consider donating materials to local theatre groups or organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
Reduce-	Measure your construction projects carefully so you have little waste as possible.
Disposal-	Most building materials cannot be burned. Materials such as concrete, sheetrock/drywall, wood, plaster, insulation, roofing/shingles, siding, bricks, etc. may be taken to the DeKalb County landfill. See “Landfill.”

Recycle-	Metal, aluminum and steel cans are recyclable in DeKalb County. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.” Metal cans are also accepted by scrap metal dealers and recycling centers. See yellow pages under "Scrap Metals."
Reduce-	Purchase food in bulk or frozen alternatives to reduce your need for many cans.
Disposal-	Residents can throw their metal cans in the trash but are strongly encouraged to recycle.

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CAR WAX:
See “Solvent-Based Cleaners.”

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CARDBOARD
See “Boxes: Corrugated.”

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CARPET

Reuse-	Sell used carpet or give it away. Consider buying carpet made from recycled plastic.
Reduce-	Purchase durable carpets that are made to last. Clean your carpets often to reduce the need to replace them.
Disposal-	Carpet can be disposed of through regular trash pickup or taken to the DeKalb County landfill.

Recycle-	Catalogs that are made from “glossy” paper may be recycled with magazines. See “Magazines.” Catalogs made from other types of paper may be recycled in some parts of DeKalb County. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs: and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-
Reduce-	Write or call the companies whose catalogs you do not want to receive. Ask to be taken off their mailing list. For subscriptions you wish to receive, tell them not to sell or give your name to other mail order companies. See “Junk Mail.”
Disposal-	If catalogs can not be recycled in your area, they may be thrown in the trash.

Disposal-

Most caulk that is water soluble can be placed in the trash. If it has one of these words on the label “danger,” “warning,” “caution,” “flammable,” “combustible,” or “corrosive” residents should bring it to a household hazardous waste facility or a household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

Disposal-

DeKalb County accepts Christmas trees from December 26th through January 31st each year. Residents may take their trees to the DeKalb County Landfill where they will be chipped into mulch (see “Compost”). Compost is sold by the yard. Please contact the landfill at 815-758-6906 for further information

Reuse-	It is better to use up cleaners for their intended purpose than to throw them away. If you have leftovers, find someone who can use them.
Reduce-	Buy only the cleaners that you really need. Some household cleaners can be hazardous. There are many cleaners that are made with non-hazardous ingredients. Use water based cleaners as much as possible.
Disposal-	Cleaners that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or poisonous can be taken to a household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste,” and “Solvent-Based Cleaners.”

Recycle-	(See Thrift shops, clothing consignment and resale, and second-hand stores, in your yellow pages, for options to get rid of clean clothing).
Reduce-	Donate items to family and friends, or organizations in need. Buy and sell second-hand items at fairs; bazaars, swap meets and garage sales. Use old clothing for cleaning rags.

Reuse-	Garden waste such as vines, decayed vegetables and fruit can be composted. Fruit and vegetable food scrapes can be put in a home compost pile. Meat, poultry and fish products cannot be composted. If you are not familiar with composting techniques, call the University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Unit (815) 758-8194. Leaves and grass clippings can be brought to the DeKalb County landscape waste compost facility. Finished compost is available to residents. Call the DeKalb County Recycling and Disposal Facility (DeKalb County Landfill) at (815) 758-6906.
Reduce-	Mow your lawn on a regular basis to keep the clippings short and let them fall where they are. This can feed your lawn and make it healthier. Leaves and grass clippings can be used as mulch in gardens and flower beds to reduce weeds, nourish the soil and retain moisture.
Disposal-	Since the ban of landscape waste from landfills was enacted in July 1990, residents are required to separate landscape waste from trash if they wish to have it collected for disposal. See “Landscape Waste.”

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DRINK BOXES
Drink boxes can be recycle in most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers.
See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

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DRYWALL SHEETROCK
See “Building Materials”

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DUMP
See “Landfill.”

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EXPLOSIVES
If you have dynamite or anything that is marked “Explosive” or that you think might be explosive, DO NOT TOUCH IT!
Call your local police.

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FERTILIZER

Agricultural

Reduce-	Conduct soil analysis to determine exact nutrient needs. Use the smallest amount of fertilizer needed to do the job. Give unused fertilizer to someone who can use it.
Disposal-	Small amounts can be placed in a manure spreader and spread with manure.

Household

Reduce-	Give extra fertilizer in its original container to someone who may need it. Leave grass clippings on the lawn when you mow. This actually helps fertilize your lawn.
Disposal-	The best thing to do is to use it up. However, dry granular fertilizer that does not contain any pesticides can be thrown in the trash. If household fertilizers contain herbicides or pesticides, they should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste”.

Reuse-	Many absorbents can be reused. In most cases, discolored absorbent does not mean that the absorbent is no longer useable.
Disposal-	Safe disposal is dependent upon the type of absorbent and the kind of liquid that was absorbed. Call the DeKalb County Solid Waste Coordinator at (815) 758-6673 for more information.

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FLOOR WAX
See “Solvent-Based Cleaners.”

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FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS
See “Light Bulbs: Fluorescent.”

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FUEL
See “Gasoline and Kerosene.”

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FUEL STORAGE TANKS

Recycle-

Empty fuel storage tanks can be taken to scrap metal dealers or salvage yards for recycling. Call your local scrap metal dealer to make sure they will accept the tanks. Some will not.

Reuse-	Sell your old furniture instead of disposing of it. Some charities accept donation of old furniture. Used furniture can also be bought and sold through the want ads in local newspapers or at garage sales .
Reduce-	Buy durable, good quality furniture that will last and remain in style. Consider refinishing or reupholstering to update old furniture.
Disposal-	Unusable furniture can be taken to the DeKalb County landfill for disposal or call your waste disposal company for special pick up.

Reuse-	The best way to get rid of leftover gasoline, kerosene lamp oil, or white gas is to use it up. For small engines that use an oil/gas mix, buy only the amount you will need at the time. Buy unleaded gasoline for small engines so you can use leftover gasoline in your car.
Disposal-	Unused or unusable gasoline should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

Recycle-	Glass food and drink bottles can be recycled through most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers. The glass should be rinsed clean and the lids and caps removed. Labels do not need to be removed. DO NOT BREAK. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Reuse your glass bottles for storing other food. Store grains or other bulk goods in empty glass bottles.
Reduce-	Use refillable or returnable bottles whenever possible.
Disposal-	The following types of glass are not recyclable because they contain different ingredients than glass bottles. Throw these in the trash: mirrors, plexiglass, plates and dishes, ceramics, drinking glasses, windows and incandescent light bulbs. See also “Windows” and “Light Bulbs".

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GRASS
See “Compost.”

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GROCERY BAGS
See “Bags.”

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HAZARDOUS WASTE
Avoid hazardous products or use them up for their intended purpose. Improper use or disposal can be
harmful to human health and the environment. Generally, if the container says:

Danger, Caution, Poison, Flammable, Warning, Toxic, Corrosive, Combustion, contains acid, contains lye,
contains petroleum distillates, or causes burns to skin. . . . . . it probably contains hazardous chemicals.

These items need to be handled properly for disposal. The Illinois EPA sponsors two Household Hazardous Waste Collection sites in this region.
Link: http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste/hhwc-schedule.html

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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
DeKalb County does not have a permanent facility for collection of household hazardous waste.
Occasionally the county will sponsor a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.
Watch your newspaper or call the DeKalb County Solid Waste Coordinator at (815) 758-6673 for
information on upcoming collections.

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INSULATION
See “Building Materials”

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JUICE CARTONS

Recycle-

Juice cartons can be recycled in most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

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JUNK MAIL
Ask companies not to sell or give your name to other mail order companies. If you want your name
removed from bulk-mailing lists write to:

       Direct Mailing Association
       Mail Preference Service
       P.O. Box 9008
       Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

(You will need to repeat this process every six months).

If there are specific companies from which you do not wish to receive mail, cut out your mailing label
and return it to the company requesting that you be removed from their mailing list.

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LANDFILL
The DeKalb County landfill which is owned and operated by Waste Management Inc., is located at
18370 Somonauk Road, Cortland. It primarily serves DeKalb County and accepts only general waste
(residential) and special waste (non-hazardous construction and demolition debris, industrial process
waste, and pollution control waste). Adjacent to the landfill is the landscape waste composting facility.
Residents of DeKalb County may drop off landscape waste at this location. For more information about
the landfill and compost facility call (815) 758-6906. See “Landscape Waste,” “DeKalb County Curbside
Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Sites and “Trash Collection and Disposal.”

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LANDSCAPE WASTE
Landscape waste includes grass clippings, weeds, flowers, branches (not to exceed 3” in diameter)
and hedge trimmings. According to state law, landscape waste may not be mixed with household trash.
Do not mix landscape waste with other trash. Most waste disposal companies collect landscape waste
between April 1st and November 30th. Call your waste disposal provider for more information.

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LEATHER GOODS

Reuse-	Purchase used items at thrift stores and garage sales. Give away or sell used items.
Reduce-	Have old items repaired instead of buying new.
Disposal-	Leather cannot be recycled in DeKalb County. Unusable leather goods can be thrown in the trash.

Reduce-	Fluorescent bulbs use only one-third as much electricity as regular incandescent bulbs. They also can last ten times longer than regular bulbs.
Disposal-	Fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. Compact fluorescent bulbs are collected at the electronics collections for proper disposal. While some states ban these bulbs from their landfills, Illinois does not. You may throw these bulbs in the trash.

Incandescent:

Reduce-	Purchase long-lasting light bulbs that do not have to be replaced often. Use fluorescent bulbs, which last ten times longer and use less electricity.
Disposal-	Incandescent light bulbs can be thrown in the trash; they cannot be recycled.

Recycle-	Magazines can be recycled in most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Share subscriptions with friends, relatives or co-workers. Donate to appropriate organizations.

Disposal-

Thermometers, thermostats, button batteries, and other mercury containing items should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

Scrap

Many types of metal are accepted by scrap metal dealers and recycling centers.

See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites“
In the yellow pages, call dealers listed under “Scrap Metals.”

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MILK CONTAINERS

Recycle-	Plastic milk jugs and paper cartons can be recycled in some parts of DeKalb County. Please rinse and crush. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Cut off the tops and bottoms of plastic milk jugs to protect young plants from predators in the garden. Reuse plastic jugs for mixing fertilizer, watering plants, or craft projects. Store used oil in old plastic jugs.

Disposal-

When you cannot use it up, dry it out. Open the cap and allow the contents to dry in an outside area away from children, pets and sources of heat or flame. Once the contents are completely dry and hardened, the container can be thrown in the trash.

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NAIL POLISH REMOVER
See “Solvents.”

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NEEDLES
Needles used for medications, such as insulin can injure trash collectors and workers at processing facilities.

Disposal-

Ask your pharmacy, clinic, hospital or health department (there may be a fee) to take them back. If they will not take them back, put needles into a " sharps container" (available at pharmacies), and inform your waste disposal provider that it will be placed with your trash.

Recycle-	Newspapers may be recycled in DeKalb County. Put them in a paper grocery sack or tie in bundles. Set them on the curb for pickup or bring them to a drop-off recycling center nearest you. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Use newspaper as wrapping paper or packing cushion. Use it to wash windows.
Disposal-	Residents can place newspaper into the trash, but strongly encouraged to recycle them.

Recycle-	Recyclable office paper includes notebook, copy, colored, carbon, and computer paper, envelopes with or without plastic windows and file folders. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reuse-	Make two sided copies. Use blank backs or used envelopes for scratch paper.
Reduce-	Buy paper that is made from post-consumer recycled products.
Disposal-	Residents are not prohibited by law from throwing office paper in the trash. However, many local area institutions and business offer recycling to their employees and clients. You are strongly encouraged to support these efforts whenever possible.

Recycle-

It is a violation of state law to dump used motor oil on the land or to put it with regular trash. Local retailers may accept it. Call the DeKalb County Solid Waste Coordinator for more information (815) 758-6673.

Reduce-

Invest in a self-cleaning or continuous cleaning oven. Clean your oven regularly to avoid the need for caustic cleaners. Buy less caustic oven cleaners that use heat instead of lye to dissolve grime.

Reuse-	Give unused paints to friends, neighbors, theater groups or charities. If you will have a future need for it, properly store it. Make sure the lid is tightly closed and store the can up-side down. The paint will seal the can to prevent hardening or moisture damage. Store cans in a dry area where they will not freeze. Latex paint stays in good condition for up to 10 years, oil based, 15 years. As a general rule, paint that mixes smoothly when stirred can still be used.
Reduce-	Buy only the amount of paint that you need. Measure the space you need and ask hardware or paint store personnel to help you buy the right amount. Avoid using oil paints as much as possible. Apply another coat to use up leftover paint.
Latex Disposal-	Small amounts of unused paint can be thoroughly dried and put in the trash. Open the lid and let it dry in a well-ventilated area, or spread the paint on a sheet of cardboard and allow it to dry. Larger amounts should be brought to the County's Latex Paint recycling collections offered once per year. Or the extra paint can go to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day if an alternate use cannot be found.
Oil-Based Disposal-	What you cannot use should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

Reduce-	Using latex paint avoids the needs for paint thinners.
Disposal-	See “Solvents.”

Reduce-	Buy post-consumer recycled products as much as possible. Use non-disposable alternative like handkerchiefs, cloth towels, ceramic plates and cups, etc.
Disposal-	Paper products listed above are not recyclable. These items can be placed in the trash.

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PAPERBOARD PACKAGING
See “Bags” and “Boxes.”

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PESTICIDES

Agricultural
Improper use and disposal of pesticides can cause damage to your health and the environment.

Reduce-	Avoid using them as much as possible. When you do use them, do so carefully for their intended purpose according to label directions. Use custom application to avoid having any unused pesticides on your farmstead. Unused farm pesticides can be disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.
Disposal-	Empty containers can be triple-rinsed and disposed of at the DeKalb County landfill. Call (815) 758-6906.

Non-Agricultural
Herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides and fungicides.

Reduce-	Avoid using pesticides whenever possible. Use them only for their intended purpose according to label directions. Share leftovers with others.
Disposal-	If you have pesticides that you cannot use, take them to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility or a household hazardous collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

Recycle-	Telephone books can be recycled through most of DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”
Reduce-	Accept only phone books that you need.

Recycle-

Soft drink and carbonated beverage bottles, milk, water and juice jugs, shampoo and oil bottles, and six pack rings can be recycled through most of DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers. See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Plastics items should be rinsed clean and caps and rings removed. Crush to conserve space.
Plastic trays, buckets, bags and toys are not recyclable in DeKalb County.

Disposal-

Home owners may throw empty plastic bottles in the trash, however, recycling is strongly encouraged. It is illegal to burn plastic. Empty containers that contained automotive oils or other related products cannot be recycled. Place them in the trash.

Recycle-	Empty propane tanks are NOT recyclable through DeKalb County DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs or drop-off recycling centers. Use them for their intended purpose or give them to a friend or neighbor who can use them.
Reuse-	Propane tanks can be refilled.
Disposal-	Some propane and LP gas distributors will take your containers back to be properly disposed of. Look under “gas” in the yellow pages for the distributor nearest you.

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RURAL RECYCLING DROP OFF
Commingled recyclables are accepted at the DeKalb County Rural Recycling site located at 270 Jefferson Drive, Kingston on Saturday mornings between the hours of 8 and noon.

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SHEETROCK/DRYWALL
See “Building Materials.”

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SHINGLES
See “Building Materials” and “Asbestos.”

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SHOES
See “Leather Goods” or “Clothes.”

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SHOPPING BAGS
See “Bags.”

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SMOKE DETECTORS
There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionizing. Ionizing detectors
contain a small amount of radioactive materials.

Reduce-	When purchasing a new smoke detector, check the label and purchase a photoelectric detector.
Disposal-	Ionizing detectors will have an address on the back where you can return the detector. Photoelectric detectors may be thrown in the regular trash.

Reduce-	Use water-based cleaners in place of solvent based cleaners as much as possible.
Disposal-	Solvent-based cleaners should not be disposed of down a drain, in the trash or down a toilet. They should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.

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SOLVENTS
Paint thinner, remover and stripper; nail polish removers; rubbing (wood) alcohol; spot & stain
removers; gasoline additives & deicers.

Reuse-	Paint thinner that has been used to clean up paint supplies can be separated and reused. Follow these steps: Pour used thinner into a transparent container with a good seal (a good reuse idea!) In a few weeks, the dissolved paint will settle to the bottom of the container. When the paint has settled, carefully pour the clean solvent off the top. This thinner can be reused, and can be recycled this way several times. Pour the remaining sludge back into your oil based paint. If you cannot do this, place the remaining sludge outdoors to dry completely. When it is completely dry, place it in the trash.
Reduce-	Buy only what you need. Use latex paint and other water-based products whenever possible to avoid the need to clean with solvents.
Disposal-	Unused or unusable solvent should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

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SPILLS
If you are aware that petroleum products, pesticides, or other hazardous wastes have spilled or
leaked into the ground or water, immediately call the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
at (800) 782-7860.

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SPOT REMOVERS
See “Solvents.”

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STYROFOAM

Recycle-

Foam packing peanuts cannot be recycled in curbside programs or drop-off centers. Packaging/shipping services may accept them, or reuse them yourself. (See drop off recycling sites).

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SYRINGES
See “Needles.”

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TAR & ADHESIVE PAILS
See “Adhesives.”

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TEXTILES
See “Clothing.”

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THERMOSTATS & THERMOMETERS
Old thermostats can be taken to Lowe's or Menard's for recycling.

Disposal-

Thermostats and thermometers contain mercury and should not be disposed of in the trash. They should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See “Hazardous Waste.”

Reduce-	Buy high-mileage, long-lasting tires.
Disposal-	It is illegal to dump or burn tires. Tires can be taken to some retailers or a scrap dealer. There may be a fee (See yellow pages for tire dealers). Watch your newspaper for used tire collection days.

Recycle-	Toys are not recyclable in DeKalb County.
Reuse-	Donate unwanted, unbroken toys to charities, friends, relatives, and day care centers or sell them at garage sales.

Reduce-

By recycling, composting and preventing trash, you will have less trash and use fewer natural resources.

In most communities within DeKalb County, trash collection and disposal is contracted with a waste
disposal provider through a city or village municipal service agreement. Contact your local government
for more information on how and when your garage is collected. See directory of local providers
after the alphabetical listing of waste information.

Rural residents of DeKalb County may contract with a waste disposal provider to pick up your trash. To contact a waste disposal provider, look in the yellow pages under "Trash and Trash Collection." If you are a rural DeKalb County resident and choose not to contract with a provider, you may take your trash to the DeKalb County landfill yourself. See "Landfill." Illinois State laws require that trash must be hauled to proper landfill at a minimum of once per week.

The DeKalb County landfill accepts waste from licensed waste disposal companies, farmers,
business and residents that live or work within DeKalb County. This facility also has a recycling drop off site which operates during their regular business hours.

Although trash may look harmless, if disposed of improperly, it can cause pollution of air, soil and drinking water.
Since citizens are liable for the clean-up of environmental damages caused by their "regular" trash,
they should bring it to a facility meeting state and federal environmental protection standards.
It is illegal to bury or burn your trash unless you are a farmer.

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VARNISH
See “Paint"

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WINDOWS

Disposal-

Window glass is not recyclable and should be put in your trash

Recycle	Wrapping paper can be recycled.
Reuse-	Instead of wrapping gifts with gift wrap, purchase reusable storage containers as part of the gift and put the rest of the gift inside. Fore example, wrap a cake pan with dish towels, and fasten with pins. Buy wrapping paper with recycled paper content.
Reduce-	Wrap gifts in newspaper, old maps, old sheet music, or your child's art project. Design your own from a brown paper bag.
Disposal-	Can be thrown in trash, but recycling is strongly encouraged.