Recent News

• Dirty Dozen December: No Frozen Food Containers December 2, 2019
  If it’s made from paperboard, it must be recyclable, right? Not always! Frozen food boxes pose a challenge to the recycling process. Paperboard boxes that were designed for freezer foods, such as frozen pizza and entrées, are impregnated with a plastic polymer to protect against freezer burn. The plastic prevents the box from […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Holiday Lights Recycling November 22, 2019
  Have a busted strand of lights? Cat attack the tree again? Before you send the strand to the landfill, consider visiting a recycling drop off location. The copper, metal, and plastic from the lights will be separated and recycled in these specialized processes. Due to the specific process needed, be sure to keep holiday […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Plastic Bags Do NOT Belong in Your Recycling Cart November 18, 2019
  CCDES is a member of the Illinois Recycling Contamination Task Force, a group convened to handle the pressing recycling issues throughout the state. To answer specific recycling questions, the task force has launched the Dirty Dozen Campaign. Each month, a different recycling issue will be addressed. For November, we explore the plastic bag dilemma. Plastic […]
  Sarah Edwards
• America Recycles Day November 8, 2019
  America Recycles Day, an initiative from Keep America Beautiful, offers a great moment for reflection and change regarding our recycling habits. Here in Cook County, the typical household recycles 1.9 lbs per day with 8.2 lbs of trash going to the landfill. Over a year, that amounts to the weight of a giraffe […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Smart Savings for Broadview Residents November 5, 2019
   Broadview residents: want to save money on your utility bills? Join Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability, Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Elevate Energy to learn about ways to save money and energy with your smart meter, home weatherization and energy efficiency programs. Experts will discuss rebated and free in-home devices and appliances. You could […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Don’t let that jack-o’-lantern go to waste: Compost it! October 25, 2019
  As residents of Cook County, we call one of the top pumpkin producing states home. Many of these pumpkins are carved and discarded once fall festivities cease. Help reduce the associated food waste in landfills by participating in a pumpkin composting event near you. To maintain healthy compost, please remove candles/wax/stickers before composting. *Some events […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Meet a Cook County Employee Electric Vehicle Enthusiast September 19, 2019
  As part of National Drive Electric Week, we are featuring a Cook County employee who is an electric vehicle enthusiast (and recent convert) who is doing his part to be more sustainable. Ekong Udoh, a Telecom Analyst IV for the Bureau of Technology, purchased a Tesla 10 months ago […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Beat the Heat with Energy Saving Tips June 20, 2019
  While it may not feel quite like summer yet, plan ahead and know what you can do to keep your home comfortable and cool, while also saving yourself money and energy. Set your thermostat to higher temperature while you are away from your home. Use a programmable thermostat to set back the temperature […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Smart Savings for Chicago Ridge Seniors May 6, 2019
   Are you a senior living in Chicago Ridge? Want to save money on your utility bills? Join Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability, Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Elevate Energy to learn about ways to save money and energy with your smart meter, home weatherization and energy efficiency programs. Experts will discuss rebated […]
  Sarah Edwards
• CUB Utility Bill Clinic at Franklin Park Public Library May 6, 2019
  The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will analyze utility bills at a free clinic to help Franklin Park residents save money on utilities. This utility bill clinic will take place on May 22 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Franklin Park Public Library and is co-sponsored by the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability. Consumers […]
  Sarah Edwards