COVID-19 impact on Waste and Recycling Procedures

The Resource Recovery and Energy Division, under the Land Use Department, has been actively involved in statewide and Chicagoland discussions about ways to address the impact of COVID-19 as it relates to collection services. Governor Pritzker designated Waste and Recycling as essential services in his March 20 Shelter-in-Place order to allow for safe, convenient disposal of these items.
At the present time, most municipalities in the county have allowed their hauling contractors to cease bulk collection, including large furniture and appliances. Appliances must be recycled by law and should not be placed at the curb until the Shelter-in-Place order had ended.
Will County continues to offer our Electronic Recycling Drop-Off sites, but has cancelled one-day collection events to adhere to social distancing protocol. These will be rescheduled later this year.
As a reminder, most plastics are not recyclable, especially gloves and masks. Please continue to empty plastic bottles and other containers before placing in the recycling cart or the Drop-Off centers. Clothing may be donated in collection boxes in various parking lots across the County until thrift stores are able to reopen.
To learn more about ways to green your lifestyle and reduce your waste, or for a list of recycling drop-offs and other events, visit the website: www.willcountygreen.com.