A lot of what we use is, in principle, recyclable, but that doesn't always mean it's simple to do so.
On this page, we present resources that can help you increase the likelihood that what you recycle will make it to a productive future use.
Toolkit created by the City of Evanston to help businesses implement and maintain different types of waste diversion practices. Includes guidance for planning, analysis, and program implementation in alignment with applicable City Code.
This is a great interview regarding the connection between increased "circularity" and reducing greenhouse gases.
Updated May 2024, this is a material-by-material guide for how & where to handle waste — from everyday plastics and metals to unusual and hard to recycle items. Please submit corrections or additions to our Beyond Waste team.
The Department of Public Works hosts up to date info on waste pickup, composting, and recycling online. If you want an overview of city-provided and partner services, this is the most up to date and accurate information available.
The Solid Waste Authority of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) maintains a very comprehensive regional directory of where to recycle. It is searchable by item name and category.
Chicago Environmentalists is a Chicago-based group that compiles great tips about sustainable living. They host an excellent, searchable directory of recycling and reuse opportunities, and a map of sustainable businesses from the Chicago point of view
Earth 911 is a global directory of recycling and reuse options.
Notes from our first community workshop on March 19, 2023 at Rebuilding Exchange.
This is the presentation given at the outset of the Waste Less Workshop. It contains some background as well as the questions we used to structure our conversations in the workshop. Put in full screen mode if you want to see the animations correctly.
22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes each year, and just over half of that ends up in Lake Michigan. Help end that by supporting a bill in the Illinois Legislature to ban styrofoam foodware.
Many local organizations and programs that reduce waste welcome volunteers, including Evanston Repair Café, The Rebuilding Exchange, Evanston School Children's Clothing Association, The WasteShed, and The Recyclery.
Although Climate Action Evanston is a volunteer organization, we have expenses. Increasing our revenues allows us to budget to do more. If you wish you can target donations to a specific program or programs.
We are looking for people to lead an initiative to bring (and return) reusable bags at Farmer's Markets in Evanston this season. Volunteer to staff a table and drum up support, so we can reduce plastic waste and encourage.
