Drop off electronics, batteries at McHenry recycling event

Submitted by Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

On Saturday, Nov. 12, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main St., McHenry. They continue to collect certain items which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill, and which are not taken by curbside programs.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam, VHS and cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and reusable, unpopped Bubble Wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation. At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

In the first nine months of 2011, the Defenders have collected and recycled approximately 11,000 pounds of electronics, 12,000 cubic feet of Styrofoam, 300 fluorescent bulbs and 1,000 pounds of nonferrous metals.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months. Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For information about the recycling schedule and the types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory, which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or call (815) 338-0393.