What you need to know:
  • ​Most of the World's recyclables are recycled in China
             - China only accepts items with less than 1% contamination
                 (The National Average is 25% contamination)
             - The recycling stream is SERIOUSLY overloaded
  • Contamination is anything that is NOT recyclable
  • Just because it's plastic does not mean it's recyclable

What's the Difference?
  • Downcycling: Taking an item and making new materials
  • Recycling: Taking an item and making a new item
  • Upcycling: Taking materials and making a new item

What's Considered Contamination?
  • Single use items
             - Straws
             - Plastic Utensils
             - Plastic items only used once
​             - NOT recyclable
  • Food Scraps/Soiled items
             - Napkins with grease
             - Cardboard pizza boxes because of cheese
             - Used paper plates
*Do not try to recycle any items considered to be contamination-they interfere and can cause equal the trashing of    recyclables

What's the Problem with Plastic Anyway?
  • Recycling Rate-Less than 9% of all plastic used is recycled so it ends up in landfills/streets/waterways​
  • Off gases-When heated it releases chemicals into food or air
  • Microplastics in our water-Breaks down into microscopic particles that end up in our water and bodies
  • Ocean Contamination-Marine life consumes microplastics that are deadly to their health
  • Effect on our Health-This chemical based product has been proven to cause numerous kinds of cancers

However, it's Better to Recycle our plastic than to do nothing at all, so...

What's Recyclable in (Naperville) Curbside Recycling?​​ 
   #1 - PETE or PET
       Examples: Food Containers or Plastic bottles
   #2 - PE
       Examples: Liquid (milk or detergent) Containers, sometimes Plastic Bags
   #3 - PVC
       Examples: Food Wrapping, etc. (common items not included because not accepted for curbside)
   #4 - LDPE
       Examples: Plastic or Bread Bags
   #5 - PP
       Examples: Condiment Bottles, Yogurt or Plastic Cups
   #7 - PLA
       Examples: Wide variety of "bioplastics"

(#6- PS -often includes Styrofoam or plastic in snack packages such as Oreo or Chips Ahoy that give the package its shape- are NOT recyclable in curbside)

Plastic #7 is NOT recyclable in most areas. Check Earth911.com for information on what's recyclable in your area.

What is Terracycle?
  • Considered the "great mediator" meaning they recycle household items not recyclable in blue, curbside bins
  • Commitment to recycling everything sent in through specialized Terracycle boxes
  • Offer free recycling programs for personal or business use                                                                                           - Partners with many name brands to offer these                                                                                                           - Point system as a reward for recycling through these
  • Not always cost effective...
  • Find more at Terracycle.com

Where can I recycle items not recyclable in Curbside?
  • Shoes:
    1. Many running stores offer free recycling
    2. Free recycling at any Vans store through Terracycle partnership
  • ​​Beauty Products
    1. Collect shampoo/conditioner/lotion bottles, makeup, or anything on this list
    2. Email or Talk to Ms. Schneider for free shipping label
  • Snack Wrappers, K-Cups, and Tea/Coffee Bags
    1. Recycle at any participating Subaru car dealership on this map
    2. "Subaru Loves the Earth Campaign" partners with Terracycle to offer this free
  • Light bulbs
    1. Accepted at any Batteries & Bulbs location
    2. Minimal charge of 5 to 20 cents per bulb depending on model 
    3. Charge is very cheap recycling cost, does not amount to a lot
  • Printer Cartridges
    1. Available through office supply stores like Office Max and Staples
    2. Must have a (free) account with stores to recycle
  • Electronics
    1. Naperville offers free electronic recycling (click for accepted items)
    2. Takes old electronics to prevent toxic decay in landfill
    3. Open from 7 am. to 3 pm. on weekdays at 156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville
  • Metal
    1. Naperville offers free scrap metal recycling of any metal items
    2. Open from 7 am. to 3 pm. on weekdays at 156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville
  • Styrofoam
    1. Dart Recycling Facility in Aurora will take this plastic with no charge
    2. 310 Evergreen Drive, N. Aurora with 24/7 drop off bins on property
  • Fabric
    1. Any torn, stained, frayed, or type of clothing is accepted along with scrap fabric/thread
    2. Drop off a bag at any H&M store to receive a coupon for your next purchase
    3. If clothing is still in wearable condition, consider donating to a secondhand store instead
  • Plastic Bags
    1. Drop off at collections in most Grocery Stores 
    2. Recommended to collect bags inside of a bigger bag to drop into bin at store entrance
  • Bread Tags
    1. Plastic top used to close bread tags is accepted at Scarce
    2. Not recyclable in curbside recycling because it is small and does not have a number
    3. Open from 9 am. to 4:30 pm. on weekdays at 2, 799 Roosevelt Rd #108, Glen Ellyn
  • Binders
    1. Scarce recycles and gives new purpose to old or damaged binders by taking apart and recycling them
    2. Open from 9 am. to 4:30 pm. on weekdays at 2, 799 Roosevelt Rd #108, Glen Ellyn

How Can I Reduce my Use of Plastic?
  1. Form a habit of automatically asking restaurants to "hold the straw" with your drink
  2. Use what you have to make your own alternatives (for anything)--Seriously, get creative with this
  3. Bring your own silverware to avoid single use plastic silverware, and clean with a napkin or at home
  4. Bring your own containers (reused takeout containers are great) in a bag to store leftovers
  5. Take your own canvas bags into the grocery store, and they might even give you a discount
  6. Bring a reusable cup for hot and/or iced drinks and they might give you a discount for this as well
  7. Keep these items stowed in a travel bag in a convenient and accessible location for when you're out ​

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*Note: Check with stores and organizations to see if they are still collecting amidst the current pandemic.