Recycling Guide
At Northern Illinois, we’re committed to responsible recycling. Our guide helps residents and businesses understand the best practices for sorting materials, reducing contamination, and ensuring recyclables are processed properly.
What Goes in the Recycling Bin?
To ensure efficient recycling, please follow these material guidelines:
Acceptable Items
Unacceptable Items
How Does Recycling Work?
We collect full recycle dumpsters at curbsides, multi-family dwellings, or businesses. At recycling facilities (MRFs), materials are sorted, cleaned, compressed, and prepared for sale to end markets.
Clean every item
Clean items are crucial to avoid contamination during transportation.
Waste Collection
When recycle dumpsters are full, they are then collected by us at a curbside, multi-family dwelling, or business.
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Recycling facility (MRF)
Materials are sorted and organized by material types, then inspected for final quality control clean-up before being baled (compressed) together and staged for sale to end markets.
Incorrect Battery Disposal Can Cause Fires
Common household items seem harmless, however, the batteries in them pose risks when disposed into regular garbage or recycling containers because of their highly flammable nature.
Remove the batteries
Check the electronic devices you need to dispose of. If possible, remove the batteries. If not, bring the whole device to the drop off location.Store batteries in a safe place
Store batteries in non-metallic containers (plastic, cardboard, or glass) that do not conduct electricity if there is a spark.Find your local drop off
Find a local electronic disposal store, or find a drop off location near you.
