Lake Zurich studying recycling plan for businesses

A new service that could save money and increase recycling output from Lake Zurich businesses is being studied by the village.

In most cases, if a Lake Zurich business wants to recycle, it has to find a provider itself. But the village is considering whether to authorize one company to provide recycling services to all community businesses, in an effort to cut their costs and boost the amount of materials reused.

But first the village is required by a 2014 state law to study how many businesses currently recycle. If fewer than 50 percent of businesses recycle, then the village will be allowed to pursue the plan.

Kyle Kordell, assistant to the village manager, said the it could save businesses money the same way that the village's electrical aggregation program saves residents money.

Because just one company would be providing recycling services, it also would mean fewer trucks on village streets, and a reduction in greenhouse gases.

The plan is part of a countywide effort to increase the recycling rate to 60 percent by 2020, a goal set by a Solid Waste Agency of Lake County task force in 2009.

Lake Zurich is one of seven municipalities studying a commercial recycling program, joining Round Lake Beach, Kildeer, Lindenhurst, Lake Bluff, Third Lake and Volo.

Bannockburn, Deerfield, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park and Highwood already have commercial recycling programs in place.