Business Recycling
Do you recycle at your business?
If not, this information will help get you started. The 1996 mandatory commercial recycling ordinance in Kane County requires all businesses and multi-family dwellings to recycle. It also requires waste haulers to provide recycling services to their customers.
Which materials can be recycled?
All paper, cardboard, and containers are included in single-stream recycling programs. Paper includes office paper, magazines, newspapers and cardboard boxes. Containers include metal cans; glass bottles and jars; and plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. A big part of what makes business recycling successful is single-stream recycling, where all recyclables can be combined in one container. If your waste stream presents more unique or complex needs, you can talk to your waste and recycling hauler about options. You can also recycle all of your electronic equipment, fluorescent Tubes and Hazardous Waste.
Will recycling service cost more?
It doesn’t have to. But like all services it does have a cost. By diverting materials from your trash into recycling, you can cut costs by reducing either the frequency of collection or the size of your dumpster. That savings can offset the cost of your recycling service. This model is a proven method for minimizing cost and improving efficiency of service, while recovering valuable resources through recycling. Call your waste hauler and request that they work with you to customize your waste and recycling service.
You already recycle?
Wonderful! Do you also minimize waste, print on both-sides of your paper, narrow your margins in your printed documents, or use reusable food-ware? Do you compost your food scraps, use energy efficient lighting, or practice water conservation? If you are a sustainable business and would like to join your fellow forward-thinking business owners on the Kane County Green Business List, please email your information (in like-format to the list) to
recycle@countyofkane.org. Include web address and any direct links to sustainability-related pages. Also attach related photos.
What about food scraps?
Food makes up the largest percentage (over 20%) of all municipal solid waste going into landfills and for combustion for energy. Americans waste approximately 45% of food purchased. In 2011 alone, more than 36 million tons of food waste was generated, with only four percent diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting.
Questions?
Questions about recycling and waste service should be directed to your waste hauler. If you have questions about the Ordinance or about the Kane County Green Business List, please contact the Kane County Recycling Coordinator, at 630-208-3841 or
recycle@countyofkane.org
