Defenders begin recycling program

As everyone should be aware, batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs should not be disposed of in a landfill, because of the mercury they contain. For this reason an every-other-month collection program has begun in Woodstock and McHenry.

Residents can bring their batteries, tubes and bulbs on the second Saturday of even numbered months to the old Woodstock Recycling Center site, 1110 McConnell Road.

The next collection will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Defenders pay a fee to the processor for each battery and fluorescent tube collected.

Therefore, there is a charge of $1 per pound for household batteries, $.75 each for fluorescent tubes up to four feet long, and $1 each for longer tubes.

A similar program is carried on in McHenry at the Metra Station parking lot on Main Street.

This program is operated from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of odd-numbered months. The next collection is Jan. 12.

In addition to accepting batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs for the above fee, an aluminum-can buyback is held.

McHenry County Defenders is a citizen organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The organization provides community residents with educational programs and volunteers action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation.

The Defenders operate a recycling center and resale shop in Woodstock.

Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.