We know recycling can be a tricky concept to understand and that not everyone has the means to learn.
You might ask questions like: “What do all the numbers mean?”
or “How do I recycle items like batteries, lightbulbs and plastic bags?”
We’ve got you covered.
On anything that is recyclable, you’ll find the symbol and a number 1-7
Most curbside recycling programs will accept numbers 1, 2 and 5
*just not the caps on items like water bottles as they’re made of different plastics*
You must make sure that the item is clean of any food
How can you recycle the other numbers?
Oftentimes, there are community drop off centers that take those tricky to recycle plastics like 3, 4, 6 and 7. The good news? More communities are starting to accept these plastics. Check with your local waste management to see if you can recycle these plastics in your curbside recycling!
These tricky-to-recycle plastics are, which are oftentimes found in piping, grocery bags, toothpaste tubes, DVDs, styrofoam, and more can be recycled at community drop off centers. McHenry County has plentiful community drop off centers!
For Styrofoam Visit
• City of Woodstock Public Works. 326 Washington St., Woodstock. Open Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Village of Algonquin, Public Works. 110 Meyer Dr., Algonquin. Open 24/7
For Grocery Bags Visit
Jewel Osco, Target and other participating stores in your area
Acceptable Curbside Recycling Bin Items Include
*all items must be clean!
• Metal like aluminum cans and foil
• Cardboard (flattened), paper, newspaper, magazines
• Glass (bottles and jars only) *tip: reuse your glass jars to save energy!
*Cartons may be acceptable in some programs, check with you local waste management company
Remember – reduce before you reuse and reuse before you recycle!
Recycling Resources
Where to recycle items in Crystal Lake:
Recycling Directory for McHenry County
Where to recycle items all around McHenry County:
2021 McHenry County Recycling Directory Green Guide
What is accepted in McHenry County:
RECYCLING GUIDELINES
Numbers and what they mean:
Exactly What Every Plastic Recycling Symbol Really Means
The EPA on the benefits of composting:
Reducing the Impact of Wasted Food by Feeding the Soil and Composting | US EPA
Article:
Composting Food Waste: Keeping a Good Thing Going | US EPA
EPA guide to composting at home:
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
