Health & Fitness
Positively Green Blog: Reuse or Recycle? Making Room for New Recycling Toter
Old, blue recycling bins and cans are being collected at three Elmhurst locations, and will be reused by local organizations.
Through April 15, the City of Elmhurst is collecting old recycling bins and cans to make room for residents’ new recycling toters.
The City alerted residents of the addition of new recycling toters through direct mail and through the media. All households will receive a 65-gallon recycling cart, serving as a daily reminder to residents that their environmental impact can be reduced through recycling.
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Before choosing to recycle old bins and cans, consider whether you can reuse them. Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition recommends the following uses for recycling bins:
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- indoor recycling station
- storage for muddy shoes
- compost bin
- raised tomato bed
- toy boxyard toy box (jump ropes, chalk, bubbles, balls)
- sports equipment storage
- garden tool storage
- book bin
- Christmas decor storage
- extra garage or basement storage
- beach gear tote
- charity collection box for schools or churches
If you can’t reuse them, the City will accept any recycling bins and cans (see sample picture) at three locations from March 15 – April 15:
- Berens Park – 493 Oaklawn (east parking lot off of Walnut Street)
- City Hall – 209 N. York Street (parking lot at rear of building)
- York Commons – 655 S. York Street (parking lot)
Bins collected at the above locations will be used or repurposed by local organizations, including the Elmhurst Park District, District 205, Elmhurst College, and Elmhurst Presbyterian Church. All other bins will be sent to Allied Waste for recycling. Any organization in need of bins should contact Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition at 630/426-9789, ecoolcities@gmail.com.
The City is accepting blue recycling bins and cans only. Garbage cans that have been used for recycling may be dispose of by marking them “Please Take” and place them at the curb on your garbage day. Please be aware that these containers will be taken to the landfill and will not be recycled. For obvious environmental reasons, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition is not encouraging this option. If you have a creative way to reuse your plastic garbage can, share your idea in the comment box below.
To view Frequently Asked Questions on the City’s website regarding this new program, visit www.elmhurstcarts.com/faq. For more information on Elmhurst Cool Cities, visit www.elmhurstcoolcities.org.
