Residential recycling is more highly contaminated with non-recyclable garbage than ever before. Reports from sorting facilities indicate a contamination rate of 25% - 35%. This weighs down sorting facilities, reduces commodity prices, affects remanufacturing markets, and increases costs for local governments and ultimately residents.
To address the increase in recycling contamination, a state task force was formed to develop simple, cohesive recycling guidelines to help residents better understand what items should and should not be placed in recycling carts. These guidelines represent the common items accepted in most recycling programs throughout Illinois. For guidance on recycling other items please visit the Earth 911 website.