Lombard to collect recyclables Sept. 13

The Village of Lombard is adding more items to the list of recyclables it will accept at this year's annual collection.

Residents can donate flower pots at the annual Recycling Extravaganza Sept. 13 at a new location in Northgate Plaza, the northwest corner of North Avenue and Rohlwing Road. The entrance will be on Rohlwing Road/Route 53.

Ceramic and clay pots will be given to the Lombard Garden Club, which will paint and sell them as a fundraiser during the Prairie Days festival later this month. The Lombard Park District will reuse black plastic flower pots.

"Get your garage cleaned out," Trustee Greg Gron said.

Some other items being collected during the event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., also will benefit other people in the village and surrounding communities. Cellular phones will be reprogrammed and given to victims of domestic violence, while hearing aids and eye glasses will be given to area needy people through the Lions Club.

The village will be accepting electronics, damaged American flags, old metal keys, as well as scrap metal that includes bent hangers, swing sets, gutters, lawn furniture, washers, dryers, stoves and hot water heaters.

Books of all types will be accepted but residents are also encouraged to peruse the stacks and "rescue" as many as they like.

Last year, the village diverted more than 64 tons of electronics, four tons of metal and roughly 3.7 tons of books from landfills, acting public works Director Dave Gorman reported. More than 500 cellular phones were collected.

The following items will not be accepted: household batteries, wood, furniture, household hazardous waste, drywall, plaster, particle board, propane or pressurized tanks, Freon appliances like refrigerators and dehumidifiers, engine parts or tires.

For more information, see www.villageoflombard.org or call the village's public works department at (630) 620-5740.