For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630-407-6022
June 7, 2007

COUNTY RECYCLING RATES ABOVE STATE LEVELS

“We can do even better,” says Redick

WHEATON— The DuPage County Environmental Committee released the 2006 Solid Waste and Recycling Annual Report on Tuesday, which shows the County well above the State’s requirements for recycling.  Currently, the state mandates a recycling rate goal of 25 percent.  DuPage County, as shown in the report, is at 31 percent.   Household recycling is at 38 percent while commercial recycling is only 21 percent. 

Environmental Committee Chairman Jeff Redick (District 2) believes that while the recycling habits people have in their homes is high, as the report shows, DuPage could be doing a better job in terms of recycling in the workplace.

“These results are encouraging, but we can and must do better,” said Redick.  “Many of us take the time and effort in our private lives to recycle, but that does not apparently carry over to the workplace.  I encourage all DuPage residents to be consciences of their need to recycle between nine and five, not just when they’re at home.”

In an effort to lead by example, Redick committed to creating a conservation and recycling program and work on its implementation at the DuPage County Complex.

“If we are going to ask our businesses to step-up conservation and recycling efforts, it is important that we as a county do the same,” said Redick.  “By leading the charge, I hope to show people that recycling and conservation are responsible and economically prudent activities.”

Tuesday’s report also contains detailed information regarding the solid waste management efforts in DuPage County, including current recycling rates, information on the County’s Household Hazardous Collection Program and an analysis of the County’s Latex Paint Recycling Program.

The DuPage County Department of Economic Development and Planning is responsible for implementing, reviewing and updating the County’s Solid Waste Plan.  This document accounts for the reported quantity of waste collected by haulers and processed by waste handling facilities for 2006. 

In the County’s report is data on residential refuse and recyclable materials collected by waste haulers in municipalities and unincorporated areas.  It also reports waste and recycling data from facilities located within the county including a municipal waste transfer station and a recycling facility.  In addition, residential non-hazardous and hazardous waste collected at special events and seasonal programs is also represented in this report.

To view the report, please visit www.dupageco.org.

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