Sunday, May 20, 2012

Recycling

 

Click Here for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Information

Jackson County Recycling Program

Jackson County Health Department serves as the County's lead agency for implementing recycling efforts. Since 1997, JCHD has worked to increase public awareness of recycling and improve access to recycling opporutnities. For these efforts, we have received multiple awards, including "Outstanding Government Program" (2003) and "Outstanding Government Electronics Recycling Program" (2008) from the Illinois Recycling Association and the Lt. Governor's "Environmental Hero" award (2008). This program is made possible by the financial support provided by the Jackson County Board, through solid waste management fees received via a permitted dispoal facility.

Click here to view the 2011 Jackson County Green Guide, a directory of solid waste & recycling services.

Click here to view the Jackson County Waste Management Ordinance, as updated in 2009. Click here to view the FAQ's document regarding the updates to the Ordinance.

 

Recycling Program Activities

  • Promote and educate the public about recycling and proper solid waste disposal
  • Develop and publish brochures, flyers, a recycling directory, and other literature
  • Work with schools, municipalities, businesses, and other organizations on recycling and waste management projects
  • Conduct presentations and special events
  • Administer the County's waste hauler licensing program
  • Work with waste haulers and recycling centers on improving the recycling services provided
  • Conduct special recycling collections for hard-to-handle items, such as electronics, and household chemicals
  • Coordinate implementation of the Jackson County Solid Waste Management Plan and continue planning efforts into the future

 

Recycling Drop-Offs

In 2001, JCHD initiated a Recycling Drop-Off Program for residents of apartments and rural areas without access to curbside recycling service. in 2004, the program expanded to its fourth site. Over 200 tons of recyclables were collected at the four sites in 2010 alone.

Materials accepted: glass bottles and jars, cans aluminum and steel, plastic bottles #1 and #2, newspaper, cardboard and paperboard, magazines, catalogs, phonebooks, junk mail, and office paper.

These items may be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Jackson County Health Department 415 Health Dept. Rd., Murphysboro

  • University of Illinois Extension Office, 402 Ava Rd., Murphysboro

  • City Lot, Rock Crusher Road, Campbell Hill

  • Intersection of Main Street & Keller Highway, Ava 

Click here for a flyer on Jackson County's Recycling Drop-off Program

 

Household Chemical Collection Program

 Jackson County Health Department encourages residents to buy household chemicals only in quantities they will use, and to properly manage all chemicals theywish to dispose of. In addition, we encourage residents to use less-toxic alternatives to common household chemicals. Local outlets are available year-round for some items like motor oil, antifreeze, and lead-acid batteries. Please call JCHD for disposal guidance.

Disposal of CFLs is a concern due to the presence of a small amount of mercury in each lamp. Residents can drop-off CFLs inside the Health Department's back building during normal business hours. No flourescent tubes or incandescent bulbs are accepted from business or institutions. Also, please remember that no lamps or bulbs should ever be placed into curbside or drop-off recycling containers. For more information, call the phone number at the top of the page.

 

Electronics Recycling

Since September 2002, Jackson County Health Department has sponsored an ongoing recycling program for unwanted electronic equipment. This program was the first of its kind sponsored by a local government in illinois. In 2011, over 400,000 pounds of electronics were recycled through this program.  

As of January 1, 2012 there are 17 electronic items prohibited from disposal in Illinois Landfills in accordance with the “The Electronics Products Recycling and Reuse Act”.  Items include Computers (desktop, laptop, tablet), Monitors (CRT & flat screen), Printers, Scanners, Fax Machines, Electronic Keyboards & Mice, Televisions, Cable & Satellite Receivers, Digital Converter Boxes, Portable Digital Music Players, VCRs, DVD Players & Recorders, Video Game Players, & Small Scale Servers.

 Residents and businesses can drop off small amounts of electronics for free at Southern Recycling Center, Jackson County Health Department's electronics recycling partner, during their regular business hours. Southern Recycling is located at 300 W. Chestnut St. In Carbondale, Just off Route 51 on the north side of town.

For a complete list of items that are accepted and items that are not accepted please view the flyer.

Participants are limited to recycling no more than 10 electronic items (not including cords, cables, keyboards, and mice). Businesses and institutions that wish to recycle more than the program limits should contact Jackson County Health Department Recycling Program for instructions.

Note: No Electronics are available to the public for reuse through this program. Electronics collected are sent to a verified electronics recycling company.