Lake County To Shut Down Electronics Recycling Program
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Officials in Lake County were preparing to shutter a highly successful electronics recycling program, because key funding has run out.
Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said it's vital for the county to find a way to restore funding for the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, lest unused electronics hasten the end of two already overburdened landfills.
"We're looking to extend the life of our landfills, so that we don't have to site new ones. The way you do that is to divert the largest contributors into your landfills; that's things like electronic equipment," he said.
Lawlor said local residents have become accustomed to recycling old electronics – noting long lines for recycling events – and said he doesn't want them to get out of the recycling habit.
"I think we've developed our communities to have a habit of recycling, and it's important that we continue it," he said.
SWALCO has issued a bulletin to Lake County residents, informing them it must stop accepting electronics for recycling on Thursday, because state funding has expired, and subsidies from manufacturers are too low to maintain the program.
All 18 SWALCO electronics recycling facilities will shut down on Thursday.
Last year, SWALCO accepted nearly 4 million pounds of electronics – including TVs, computers, and more.
The agency suggested Lake County Residents try to recycle their electronics at big box retailers like Best Buy, or at local scrap yards. Residents might have to pay a fee for such services.