illi News - Naperville Offering Two New Recycling Programs Starting June 2

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~ Naperville, IL - The City of Naperville has announced the launch of two new recycling programs in partnership with several local organizations. These initiatives, the Food Scrap Composting Program and Clothing and Textile Recycling Program, aim to further the community's commitment to sustainability and provide residents with convenient ways to recycle.

According to Naperville Sustainability Manager Ben Mjolsness, these programs are a result of increased awareness and innovative ideas, as well as support from local organizations. "Residents have more opportunities than ever to make sustainable choices," said Mjolsness. "We're grateful to these organizations as well as the residents who help create a more sustainable community by participating in all of the recycling options the City provides."

The Food Scrap Composting Program, in partnership with refuse and recycling contractor Groot Industries, aims to reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills. This year's program builds on a successful pilot program from 2024 and offers two drop-off locations at the CNG Station on 1720 W. Jefferson Ave. and the City-owned parking lot at 91st Street and Wolf's Crossing Road.

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Only food scraps will be accepted at these locations, including fruits, vegetables, pastas, breads, crackers, meat/bones, and cereals. Residents are reminded to remove packaging and produce stickers before dropping off their food scraps in marked bins provided by Groot Industries. The bins will be available for use by Naperville residents every day at all times but should not be removed from the drop-off site. Residents are responsible for transporting their materials to the drop-off site themselves.

Unlike the pilot program in 2024, yard waste such as grass clippings will not be accepted in the compost bins at either location. This change is necessary to maintain the quality of composted material and ensure that unaccepted items do not affect data collection that could impact future evaluations of the program.

The success of the Food Scrap Composting Program will be evaluated to determine its continuation or potential expansion in the future. More information, including guidelines on accepted materials and a map of drop-off locations, can be found on the City's website at naperville.il.us/food-scrap-compost.

In addition to the Food Scrap Composting Program, the City has also partnered with DuPage County, eWorks, and RewearAble to launch a Clothing and Textile Recycling Program. Residents can drop off accepted items at the City's Environmental Collection Campus on 156 Fort Hill Drive from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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Accepted items include clothing, shoes, sheets, bedding, towels, and other household textiles in worn condition. Shoes must be matched and tied or banded together while items should be bagged or boxed but not tied or taped closed. Unusable items will be repurposed into cleaning/painting rags or used for insulation, packing material, and carpeting.

However, heavily soiled and/or wet items, pillows, pet beds, and curtains will not be accepted due to processing limitations. A complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items can be found at naperville.il.us/textile-recycling.

The success of this program will also be evaluated for future continuation. Residents can also learn more about RewearAble, a non-profit clothing recycling program that provides sustainable employment for adults with disabilities. For more information about this program and other recycling initiatives offered by the City of Naperville and DuPage County, visit naperville.il.us/textile-recycling.

These two new recycling programs are part of Naperville's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability within the community. With the support of local organizations and residents' participation in these programs, Naperville is taking steps towards creating a more environmentally-friendly city.

Filed Under: Government, City

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