Recent News

• Save Energy and Money at Home Webinar May 4, 2020
  Join Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability and Citizens Utility Board for a webinar about how to save money and energy at home. This webinar is being co-sponsored by Cook County Commissioners Alma E. Anaya, Luis Arroyo Jr., John P. Daley, Bridget Degnen, Brandon Johnson, Donna Miller, Kevin Morrison, and Larry Suffredin. […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Cook County Releases 2019 Sustainability Report April 22, 2020
  Today Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released the Cook County 2019 Annual Sustainability Report. The report showcases the work the County has done in its pledge to create a more sustainable and environmentally safer community. Report highlights include Cook County’s reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings, transportation, waste […]
  Sarah Edwards
• CURBSIDE COLLECTION of Trash, Recycling, and Yard Waste: Potential Service Changes, Guidance and Recommendations Related to COVID-19 March 31, 2020
  In the event that waste haulers limit extra services like collecting bulk items, delaying landscape collection and combining recycling and waste in your community, Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability provides the following guidelines and alternatives. Remember: For specifics on your program, please check directly with your municipality or hauler. 1.If there is […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Dirty Dozen: Only flatten cardboard and corrugated boxes. No crushing other containers! March 3, 2020
  Although flattening containers, like cartons, plastic bottles, and cans, may save room in your recycling bin, please don’t do it. Crushing these items leads to issues in single stream recycling systems. However, you should flatten cardboard & corrugated boxes (see benefits of flattening boxes below). Single Stream Recycling If you put all your recyclables into […]
  Sarah Edwards
• Diapers and Needles, Oh My! February 13, 2020
  CCDES is a member of the Illinois Recycling Contamination Task Force, a group that addresses 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. This month, we are exploring biohazardous materials.   There is a lot of […]
  Sarah Edwards
• How to Recycle Online Packaging January 27, 2020
  After you get an online package, are you stuck on what to do with the wrapping and packaging? Cardboard boxes can be recycled, but packaging materials made from plastic film, like plastic bubble mailers and air pillows, cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, the plastic film can be recycled at drop-off […]
  Sarah Edwards
• 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