Happy 51st Anniversary Earth Day

The West Cook County Solid Waste Agency (WCCSWA) joins the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and others in celebrating the 51^st anniversary of Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2021 is Restore the Earth™.

We can all do our part to protect the Earth by recycling more and recycling right. SWANA estimates that the United States spends about $200 million each year to process recycling that ends up in a landfill or other disposal facility. Over the next five years, the United States could waste an estimated $1 billion to process recycling that is really garbage.

While recycling is an important part of waste management, WCCSWA and SWANA remind the public that waste reduction and reuse come first. Try to avoid single-use items when possible. Use a reusable water bottle and grocery bags to cut down on plastic. Donate clothes, toys, and other items instead of throwing them away.

Materials that are discarded should be disposed of properly. WCCSWA and SWANA encourage the public to follow all guidelines provided by their local curbside recycling programs. Municipalities should work to communicate effectively to their customers on how to recycle right. Plastic bags, clothes, and batteries do not belong in curbside recycling bins. All recyclable should be empty, clean, and dry before putting them in your bin.

Join WCCSWA in celebrating Earth Day by making these easy changes to your daily routine with the hope of leaving the earth a better place!