Staples takes ALL types of batteries for free.

Why recycle batteries? Batteries contain metals like lithium that are highly valuable for recycling. Additionally, batteries can be hazardous in recycling trucks and have caused fires. Never put lithium batteries in your recycling or trash bin.

Batteries Plus takes all kinds of lightbulbs for recycling.

Why recycle lightbulbs? Some bulbs, like fluorescent and CFL, contain chemicals that we do not want in landfills. Furthermore, metal can be removed from lightbulbs and reused for other products.

To have them reused, bring them to Twice is Nice resale in Lombard, who are always in need of plastic bags!

To recycle, bring them to Jewel. Jewel is the only store we are aware of who has a partnership with Trex, which turns the bags into composite plastic decking. Other companies have been found to overstate their plastic recycling effectiveness, so we can only recommend Jewel at this time.

Why recycle plastic bags?

Plastic bags are the #1 contaminant at recycling facilities, because they can get tangles in the machinery. Do not put them in your recycling bin or put your recyclables in them.

Plastic bags cannot go in your curbside bin. Only “quiet” plastic bags and film can be recycled (generally labeled #4) at off-site locations.

Staples takes many small electronics for free.

Additionally, you can bring many small electronics to Wheaton’s monthly textile and electronics recycling event, held on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

Why recycle electronics?

Electronics contain mixed materials like metals and glass that can be reused if recycled properly. E-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste.

Including clothes, shoes, bedding, towels, rags and more.

Purple Manatee Resale in Lombard takes all of your textile donations. If they cannot use them, they work to get them recycled. This store does wonderful things for the environment and the community so please, bring them your stuff!

Additionally, you can bring many small electronics to Wheaton’s monthly textile and electronics recycling event, held on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

Why recycle textiles?

Textiles cannot go in your curbside bin because they will tangle the recycling machinery. Textile waste is one of the fastest growing forms of waste - the average American throws out 85lbs of clothing a year! Recycling textiles helps to divert waste from landfills. Additionally, a significant amount of textile waste is shipped overseas where it ends up in developing countries, who do not have the means to handle all of this waste.