Reuse-

Save and use adhesives for future projects.         

Reduce-

Try to buy the smallest amount and least toxic adhesive needed for your project.  The safest environmental choice is one that is water-soluble.

Disposal-

Water-based glues (like white school glue) can be placed in the trash.  Epoxies and any adhesives that are flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or contain petroleum distillates should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”  If the container is empty or the product is completely dry, it can be put in the trash.

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Recycle-

EMPTY aerosol cans can be recycled with metal cans.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Aerosol Cans cannot be reused.  They contain propellants that may be harmful.  Pump spray bottles can be reused (if thoroughly rinsed) for other things like misting plants.           

Reduce-

Buy products in pump-type containers rather than aerosols.  Some pump containers can be refilled.

Disposal-

Aerosol cans that are not empty should be treated as household hazardous waste and taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day. See "Hazardous Waste." Do not burn your aerosol cans; they are a safety hazard.

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Recycle-

Aluminum foil and aluminum trays can be recycled through most DeKalb County curbside recycling programs and drop-off recycling centers.  Please rinse them clean.  See "DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs" and "Drop-Office Recycling Sites."

Reuse-

Wash and reuse aluminum foil more than one time.  Aluminum trays can be used again for baking and heating food in a conventional oven.

Reduce-

Use reusable dishes and containers instead of aluminum foil or trays.

Disposal-

Residents can throw aluminum foil in the trash, but are strongly encouraged to recycle.

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Recycle-

Have your antifreeze changed at an auto service center where they can recycle your antifreeze for you.

Reduce-

Purchase only the amount you need.

Disposal-

Antifreeze is a hazardous chemical.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Recycle-

Depending on the size and type, some drop off sites accept appliances for a fee.  Only an authorized appliance recycler who is licensed to handle hazardous waste may collect and dismantle appliances.  (Hazardous substances must be removed from appliances by licensed persons only.)  Some new appliance dealers will take your old appliance when you buy a new one.

Reuse-

Repair old appliances when possible.  However, very old appliances may not be energy efficient.  You may save more energy and money in the long run by replacing old appliances with newer energy efficient models.  Donate working appliances to charities or friends.           

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Disposal-

Asbestos is accepted at the DeKalb County landfill as a special waste.   Call DeKalb County landfill at (815) 758-6906 for specific disposal procedures.

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Recycle-

Many parts can be taken to scrap metal dealers.  See yellow pages under “Scrap Metals.”

Reuse-

Find out if used or rebuilt engines or parts are available from a salvage dealer (see “Automobile Parts & Supplies-Used and Rebuilt” in the phone book yellow pages).

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Recycle-

Some stores will take back their own plastic shopping bags for recycling.  DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs do not collect plastic shopping bags.

Reuse-

Paper bags can be reused to wrap packages, as book covers or to put your newspapers in for recycling.  Plastic bags can be reused as storage bags for baked goods, as trash bags, or to carry wet items such as swim wear.

Disposal-

Plastic bags that cannot be returned to the store can be put in the regular trash.  Do not burn your plastic bags; they are a safety hazard.

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Recycle-

Auto batteries

DO NOT throw them in the trash or bury them!    They should be taken to a reclaimer to be recycled.  By Illinois law, any business that sells new batteries and replaces them in your car is required to take back you old battery for recycling.

Rechargeable batteries (usually Nickel, Cadmium or “NICAD”) Some stores selling these batteries also take them back.

Bring them to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.

Mercury “button” batteries

These are commonly found in hearing aids, watches and cameras.  Bring these to a household hazardous waste collection day.  Some stores who sell these also take them back.

Household (alkaline) batteries

New alkaline batteries (batteries purchased after 1991) have much smaller amounts of mercury and require no special handling.  Throw them in the trash.

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Recycle-

Books can be recycled in some parts of DeKalb County.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off  Recycling sites.”

Reuse-

Share books with friends or neighbors.  Donate books to libraries or charities.  Sell or buy them at garage sales or used book stores.  

Reduce-

Instead of buying a book, see if its available at a library.

Disposal-

If  recycling is not available to you, and its unwanted or unusable, they may be placed in the trash.

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Corrugated

Has two thin layers separated by wavy layers in the middle-such as grocery store boxes and appliance boxes.

Recycle-

Clean corrugated cardboard can be recycled through curbside collection or at a recycling center.  Corrugated cardboard that has a waxy coating, has attached styrofoam supports, is wet, or otherwise contaminated, is not recyclable and should be put in the trash.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Reuse cardboard boxes for storage, hauling, carrying groceries, moving, etc.

Food

Boxboard is one layer of cardboard that is white or gray on the inside.  Examples are cereal, frozen food, and beer and pop boxes. 

 

Recycle-

Clean boxboard can be recycled.  Break down the boxes and remove all inside packaging.  In some parts of DeKalb County, wasted disposal providers and recycling drop-off  centers collect milk and juice boxes.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reduce-

Buy foods with less packaging.  Whenever possible, buy in bulk or in bags or bottles that can be reused.

Disposal-

If boxboard cannot be recycled in your area, it can be thrown in the trash.

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Recycle-

Separate such items as metal, clean wood, clean corrugated cardboard.  These items can be recycled.  See “Boxes” and “Metals.”

Reuse-

Consider donating materials to local theatre groups or organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

Reduce-

Measure your construction projects carefully so you have little waste as possible.

Disposal-

Most building materials cannot be burned.  Materials such as concrete, sheetrock/drywall, wood, plaster, insulation, roofing/shingles, siding, bricks, etc. may be taken to the DeKalb County landfill.  See “Landfill.”

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Recycle-

Metal, aluminum and steel cans are recyclable in DeKalb County.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.” Metal cans are also accepted by scrap metal dealers and recycling centers.  See yellow pages under "Scrap Metals."

Reduce-

Purchase food in bulk or frozen alternatives to reduce your need for many cans.

Disposal-

Residents can throw their metal cans in the trash but are strongly encouraged to recycle.

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Reuse-

Sell used carpet or give it away.  Consider buying carpet made from recycled plastic.

Reduce-

Purchase durable carpets that are made to last.  Clean your carpets often to reduce the need to replace them.

Disposal-

Carpet can be disposed of through regular trash pickup or taken to the DeKalb County landfill.

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Recycle-

Catalogs that are made from “glossy” paper may be recycled with magazines.  See “Magazines.”  Catalogs made from other types of paper may be recycled in some parts of DeKalb County.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs: and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Reduce-

Write or call the companies whose catalogs you do not want to receive.  Ask to be taken off their mailing list.  For subscriptions you wish to receive, tell them not to sell or give your name to other mail order companies.  See “Junk Mail.”

Disposal-

If catalogs can not be recycled in your area, they may be thrown in the trash.

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Disposal-

Most caulk that is water soluble can be placed in the trash.  If it has one of these words on the label “danger,” “warning,” “caution,” “flammable,” “combustible,” or “corrosive” residents should bring it to a household hazardous waste facility or a household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Disposal-

DeKalb County accepts Christmas trees from December 26^th through January 31^st each year.  Residents may take their trees to the DeKalb County Landfill where they will be chipped into mulch (see “Compost”).  The resulting compost will be available to residents free of charge in the spring.

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Reuse-

It is better to use up cleaners for their intended purpose than to throw them away.  If you have leftovers, find someone who can use them.

Reduce-

Buy only the cleaners that you really need.  Some household cleaners can be hazardous.  There are many cleaners that are made with non-hazardous ingredients.   Use water based cleaners as much as possible.

Disposal-

Cleaners that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or poisonous can be taken to a household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste,” “Corrosive Cleaners,” and “Solvent-Based Cleaners.”

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Recycle-

(See Thrift shops, clothing consignment and resale, and second-hand stores, in your yellow pages, for options to get rid of clean clothing).

Reduce-

Donate items to family and friends, or organizations in need.  Buy and sell second-hand items at fairs; bazaars, swap meets and garage sales.  Use old clothing for cleaning rags.

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Reuse-

Garden waste such as vines, decayed vegetables and fruit can be composted.  Fruit and vegetable food scrapes can be put in a home compost pile.  Meat, poultry and fish products cannot be composted.  If you are not familiar with composting techniques, call the University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Unit (815) 758-8194.  Leaves and grass clippings can be brought to the DeKalb County landscape waste compost facility.  Finished compost is available to residents.  Call the DeKalb County Recycling and Disposal Facility (DeKalb County Landfill) at (815) 758-6906.

Reduce-

Mow your lawn on a regular basis to keep the clippings short and let them fall where they are.  This can feed your lawn and make it healthier.

Leaves and grass clippings can be used as mulch in gardens and flower beds to reduce weeds, nourish the soil and retain moisture.

Disposal-

Since the ban of landscape waste from landfills was enacted in July 1990, residents are required to separate landscape waste from trash if they wish to have it collected for disposal.  See “Landscape Waste.”

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Reduce-

Conduct soil analysis to determine exact nutrient needs.  Use the smallest amount of fertilizer needed to do the job.  Give unused fertilizer to someone who can use it.

Disposal-

Small amounts can be placed in a manure spreader and spread with manure.

Reduce-

Give extra fertilizer in its original container to someone who may need it.  Leave grass clippings on the lawn when you mow.  This actually helps fertilize your lawn.

Disposal-

The best thing to do is to use it up.  However, dry granular fertilizer that does not contain any pesticides can be thrown in the trash.  If household fertilizers contain herbicides or pesticides, they should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste”.

 

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Reuse-

Many absorbents can be reused.  In most cases, discolored absorbent does not mean that the absorbent is no longer useable. 

Disposal-

Safe disposal is dependent upon the type of absorbent and the kind of liquid that was absorbed.  Call the DeKalb County Solid Waste Coordinator at (815) 758-6673 for more information. 

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Recycle-

Empty fuel storage tanks can be taken to scrap metal dealers or salvage yards for recycling.  Call your local scrap metal dealer to make sure they will accept the tanks.  Some will not.

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Reuse-

Sell your old furniture instead of disposing of it.  Some charities accept

donation of old furniture.

Used furniture can also be bought and sold through the want ads in local newspapers or at garage sales.

Reduce-

Buy durable, good quality furniture that will last and remain in style.  Consider refinishing or reupholstering to update old furniture.

Disposal-

Unusable furniture can be taken to the DeKalb County landfill for disposal or call your waste disposal company for special pick up.

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Reuse-

The best way to get rid of leftover gasoline, kerosene lamp oil, or white gas is to use it up.  For small engines that use an oil/gas mix, buy only the amount you will need at the time.  Buy unleaded gasoline for small engines so you can use leftover gasoline in your car.

Disposal-

Unused or unusable gasoline should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Recycle-

Glass food and drink bottles can be recycled through most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers.  The glass should be rinsed clean and the lids and caps removed.  Labels do not need to be removed.  DO NOT BREAK.   See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Reuse your glass bottles for storing other food.  Store grains or other bulk goods in empty glass bottles.

Reduce-

Use refillable or returnable bottles whenever possible.

Disposal-

The following types of glass are not recyclable because they contain different ingredients than glass bottles.  Throw these in the trash:  mirrors, plexiglass, plates and dishes, ceramics, drinking glasses, windows and incandescent light bulbs.  See also “Windows” and “Light Bulbs".

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Recycle-

Juice cartons can be recycled in most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

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Reuse-

Purchase used items at thrift stores and garage sales.  Give away or sell used items.

Reduce-

Have old items repaired instead of buying new.

Disposal-

Leather cannot be recycled in DeKalb County.  Unusable leather goods can be thrown in the trash.

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Reduce-

Fluorescent bulbs use only one-third as much electricity as regular incandescent bulbs.  They also will last ten times longer than regular bulbs.

Disposal-

Fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury.  While some states ban these bulbs from their landfills, Illinois does not.  You may throw these bulbs in the trash.

Reduce-

Purchase long-lasting light bulbs that do not have to be replaced often.  Use fluorescent bulbs, which last ten times longer and use less electricity.

Disposal-

Incandescent light bulbs can be thrown in the trash; they cannot be recycled.

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Recycle-

Magazines can be recycled in most DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Share subscriptions with friends, relatives or co-workers.  Donate to appropriate organizations.

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Disposal-

Thermometers, thermostats, button batteries, and other mercury containing items should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Scrap

Many types of metal are accepted by scrap metal dealers and recycling centers.

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Recycle-

Plastic milk jugs and paper cartons can be recycled in some parts of  DeKalb County.  Please rinse and crush.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Cut off the tops and bottoms of plastic milk jugs to protect young plants from predators in the garden.  Reuse plastic jugs for mixing fertilizer, watering plants, or craft projects.  Store used oil in old plastic jugs.

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Disposal-

When you cannot use it up, dry it out.  Open the cap and allow the contents to dry in an outside area away from children, pets and sources of heat or flame.  Once the contents are completely dry and hardened, the container can be thrown in the trash.

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Disposal-

Ask your pharmacy, clinic, hospital or health department (there may be a fee) to take them back.  If they will not take them back, put needles into a " sharps container" (available at pharmacies), and inform your waste disposal provider that it will be placed with your trash.

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Recycle-

Newspapers may be recycled in DeKalb County.  Put them in a paper grocery sack or tie in bundles.  Set them on the curb for pickup or bring them to a drop-off recycling center nearest you.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Use newspaper as wrapping paper or packing cushion.  Use it to wash windows.

Disposal-

Residents can place newspaper into the trash, but strongly encouraged to recycle them.

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Recycle-

Recyclable office paper includes notebook, copy, colored, carbon, and computer paper, envelopes with or without plastic windows and file folders.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reuse-

Make two sided copies.  Use blank backs or used envelopes for scratch paper.

Reduce-

Buy paper that is made from post-consumer recycled products.

Disposal-

Residents are not prohibited by law from throwing office paper in the trash.  However, many local area institutions and business offer recycling to their employees and clients.  You are strongly encouraged to support these efforts whenever possible.

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It is a violation of state law to dump used motor oil on the land or to put it with regular trash.  Local retailers may accept it.   Call the DeKalb County Solid Waste Coordinator for more information (815) 758-6673.

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Reduce-

Invest in a self-cleaning or continuous cleaning oven.  Clean your oven regularly to avoid the need for caustic cleaners.  Buy less caustic oven cleaners that use heat instead of lye to dissolve grime.

Disposal-

See “Corrosive Cleaners.”

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Reuse-

Give unused paints to friends, neighbors, theater groups or charities.  If you will have a future need for it, properly store it.  Make sure the lid is tightly closed and store the can up-side down.  The paint will seal the can to prevent hardening or moisture damage.  Store cans in a dry area where they will not freeze.  Latex paint stays in good condition for up to 10 years, oil based, 15 years.  As a general rule, paint that mixes smoothly when stirred can still be used.

Reduce-

Buy only the amount of paint that you need.  Measure the space you need and ask hardware or paint store personnel to help you buy the right amount.  Avoid using oil paints as much as possible.  Apply another coat to use up leftover paint.

Latex

Disposal-

Small amounts of unused paint can be thoroughly dried and put in the trash.  Open the lid and let it dry in a well-ventilated area, or spread the paint on a sheet of cardboard and allow it to dry.  Larger amounts should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day if an alternate used cannot be found.

Oil-based

Disposal-

What you cannot use should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Reduce-

Using latex paint avoids the needs for paint thinners.

Disposal-

See “Solvents.”

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Reduce-

Buy post-consumer recycled products as much as possible.  Use non-disposable alternative like handkerchiefs, cloth towels, ceramic plates and cups, etc.

Disposal-

Paper products listed above are not recyclable.  These items can be placed in the trash.

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Reduce-

Avoid using them as much as possible.  When you do use them, do so carefully for their intended purpose according to label directions.  Use custom application to avoid having any unused pesticides on your farmstead.  Unused farm pesticides can be disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.

Disposal-

Empty containers can be triple-rinsed and disposed of at the DeKalb County landfill.  Call (815) 758-6906.

Reduce-

Avoid using pesticides whenever possible.  Use them only for their intended purpose according to label directions.  Share leftovers with others.

Disposal-

If you have pesticides that you cannot use, take them to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility or a household hazardous collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Recycle-

Telephone books can be recycled through most of DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Reduce-

Accept only phone books that you need.

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Recycle-

Soft drink and carbonated beverage bottles, milk, water and juice jugs, shampoo and oil bottles, and six pack rings can be recycled through most of  DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs and drop-off recycling centers.  See “DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs” and “Drop-Off Recycling Sites.”

Plastics items should be rinsed clean and caps and rings removed.  Crush to conserve space.

Plastic trays, buckets, bags and toys are not recyclable in DeKalb County.

Disposal-

Home owners may throw empty plastic bottles in the trash, however, recycling is strongly encouraged.  It is illegal to burn plastic.  Empty containers that contained automotive oils or other related products cannot be recycled.  Place them in the trash.

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Recycle-

Empty propane tanks are NOT recyclable through DeKalb County DeKalb County Curbside Recycling Programs or drop-off recycling centers.  Use them for their intended purpose or give them to a friend or neighbor who can use them.

Reuse-

Propane tanks can be refilled.

Disposal-

Some propane and LP gas distributors will take your containers back to be properly disposed of.  Look under “gas” in the yellow pages for the distributor nearest you.

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Reduce-

When purchasing a new smoke detector, check the label and purchase a photoelectric detector.

Disposal-

Ionizing detectors will have an address on the back where you can return the detector.  Photoelectric detectors may be thrown in the regular trash.

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Reduce-

Use water-based cleaners in place of solvent based cleaners as much as possible.

Disposal-

Solvent-based cleaners should not be disposed of down a drain, in the trash or down a toilet.  They should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.

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Reuse-

Paint thinner that has been used to clean up paint supplies can be separated and reused.  Follow these steps:

Pour used thinner into a transparent container with a good seal (a good reuse idea!)  In a few weeks, the dissolved paint will settle to the bottom of the container.  When the paint has settled, carefully pour the clean solvent off the top.  This thinner can be reused, and can be recycled this way several times.  Pour the remaining sludge back into your oil based paint.  If you cannot do this, place the remaining sludge outdoors to dry completely.  When it is completely dry, place it in the trash.

Reduce-

Buy only what you need.  Use latex paint and other water-based products whenever possible to avoid the need to clean with solvents.

Disposal-

Unused or unusable solvent should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Foam packing peanuts cannot be recycled in curbside programs or drop-off centers.  Packaging/shipping services may accept them, or reuse them yourself.  (See drop off recycling sites).

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Disposal-

Thermostats and thermometers contain mercury and should not be disposed of in the trash.   They should be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or a mobile household hazardous waste collection day.  See “Hazardous Waste.”

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Reduce-

Buy high-mileage, long-lasting tires.

Disposal-

It is illegal to dump or burn tires.  Tires can be taken to some retailers or a scrap dealer.  There may be a fee (See yellow pages for tire dealers).  Watch your newspaper for used tire collection days.

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Recycle-

Toys are not recyclable in DeKalb County.

Reuse-

Donate unwanted, unbroken toys to charities, friends, relatives, and day care centers or sell them at garage sales.

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Reduce-

By recycling, composting and preventing trash, you will have less trash and use fewer natural resources.

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Disposal-

Window glass is not recyclable and should be put in your trash

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Recycle

Wrapping paper can be recycled.

Reuse-

Instead of wrapping gifts with gift wrap, purchase reusable storage containers as part of the gift and put the rest of the gift inside.  Fore example, wrap a cake pan with dish towels, and fasten with pins. Buy wrapping paper with recycled paper content.

Reduce-

Wrap gifts in newspaper, old maps, old sheet music, or your child's art project.  Design your own from a brown paper bag.

Disposal-

Can be thrown in trash, but recycling is strongly encouraged.

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Last modification: 08/24/2006 16:41:11