McHenry County Defenders to hold recycling drive

On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling drive to collect household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs. The recycling trailer will be in front of the Farm Bureau building, 1102 McConnell Road, from 9 a.m. to noon.

A new addition this month is the collection of block Styrofoam. The Defenders have partnered with someone who can transport this material to be recycled, and they hope to make it a permanent collected item.

Batteries should be recycled rather than thrown in the trash because they contain heavy metals that 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 must 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 Bubble Wrap, unpopped.

The Defenders hold collections monthly on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between Woodstock and McHenry. For information, visit www.mcdef.org/recycling information.htm.

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

Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. For information, visit mcdef.org or call (815) 338-0393.