Drop off your batteries, light bulbs Saturday in Woodstock for recycling

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will once again conduct a recycling drive to collect household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs. From 9 a.m. to noon, the recycling trailer will be in front of the Farm Bureau building, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Batteries should be recycled rather than thrown in the trash because they contain heavy metals which are known to cause dermatitis and skin discoloration; intestinal and nervous disorders; kidney damage; brain and immune system damage; prostate cancer; and liver and lung disease.

Fluorescent tubes and bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, and need to be properly recycled to avoid any contamination in the landfill or leaching into the groundwater.

A donation is requested to offset the costs involved in processing this hazardous waste. Also accepted are car batteries, packing peanuts and reusable unpopped Bubble Wrap.

The Defenders hold collections on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between Woodstock and McHenry. Visit mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm.

The organization is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. They provide residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are tax-deductible For information, visit mcdef.org or call (815) 338-0393.