Recycle your fluorescent tubes, batteries and more in McHenry Saturday

Submitted by Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

On Saturday, Jan. 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 are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoamâ„¢, 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, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35.

At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept donations of aluminum cans, but will no longer be paying for them.

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 more information about the recycling schedule and 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 mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or call (815) 338-0393, or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community 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 more information, visit mcdef.org or call (815) 338-0393.