Recycling may require a few extra minutes and a conscious commitment. However, by recycling, the negative impacts on the
environment can be minimized and
promote a safer and more sustainable
community.
This recycling guide is provided in partnership with Macon County and the City of Decatur with the
intent to assist you and your family in developing a
recycling plan.
Note: The County’s publication of this document is
provided as a service to the residents of Macon County. Inclusion is not intended as an endorsement of any of these companies, nor has the County purposely excluded any additional parties that may provide waste reduction or recycling services.
While the County has tried to obtain the most current information available, the contents of this Recycling Guide are subject to change. Please telephone or email Macon County
Environmental Management Department for the most recent information.
The
Macon County Recycling Guide is a non-copyrighted publication. Duplication
is permitted and encouraged.
Macon County Environmental Management Department
141 S. Main St., Room 40
Decatur, IL 62523
217-425-4505
Email: Environmentalmanagement@co.macon.il.us
City of Decatur
http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/
Why Recycle
Recycling is an important way for individuals and businesses to generate less waste and reduce the negative impact of that waste. Recycling supports a viable business sector in Illinois. Your recycling efforts contribute to a strong economy.
Recycling conserves energy and our natural resources, saves landfill space, as well as reduces water and air pollution. As environmental awareness increases, recycling increases in relevance.
The common montra Reduce, Reuse, Recycle combined with purchasing recycled products comprise a comprehensive waste and resource reduction strategy that benefits our natural world. For every 1,000 tons of recycled material 15 jobs are created as compared to less than one job created by land filling the material. (source: ILDCEO 2008)
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 70% of the waste Americans produce could be recycled.
For your convenience, items requiring special attention are listed on the following pages with the corresponding locations for responsible recycling.
It is recommended to call the respective businesses and obtain their hours of operation and any specific requirements for recycling.
Curbside Recycling
Preparing Materials
Rinse containers and remove caps before placing in a recycling receptacle. Bundle newspapers and
magazines with twine, (no plastic bags) to keep them from blowing in the wind. Check with your local hauler to determine specifics.
Store materials for special collections in a cool, dry, well ventilated area away from children and pets. Package leaking containers in a plastic lined cardboard box filled with an absorbent material before bringing to a special collection.
Macon County Curbside Recycling
The communities listed below have curbside recycling programs. For details on collection days and materials accepted call:
| Argenta |
824-3942 |
|
| Decatur |
424-2778 |
| Forsyth |
877-9445 |
| Long Creek |
864-5656 |
| Macon |
764-3643 |
| Mt. Zion |
864-5425 |
| Oreana |
468-2476 |
| Warrensburg |
672-3222 |
Drop off Recycling Program Supported by Macon County Environmental Management Department
Recognizing the need for convenient recycling in communities and rural areas without curbside recycling, Macon County Environmental Management Department and respective Macon County Boards, support nine drop off sites in our County.
Items accepted include: steel and aluminum cans, catalogs, cereal boxes, junk mail (shred mail for your safety), magazines, newspapers, office paper, phone books, plastics #1 - #7 (please flatten bottles) and paperback books.
Drop off Recycling Trailer Locations:
Austin Township
2402 Lincoln Memorial Parkway, in front of the Township Hall
Blue Mound Township
5758 Railroad St., next to Township Hall in front of Township garage
City of Maroa
120 South Locus, in front of City Hall near the Police Department entrance (old Maroa Grade School)
Long Creek Township
Highway Department, next to water tower, off Route 36 turn onto 70th Street
Oakley Township
2221 Sangamon Street, in front of the Township garage, follow signs to Township Hall
South Wheatland Township (Elwin)
3987 West Elwin Road, next to the Township garage, West of
Business 51
Village of Blue Mound
229 Railroad Avenue in the Village at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Highway 51
Village of Harristown
185 North Kembark, next to the Village office
Village of Niantic
2402 Lincoln Memorial Parkway, in front of Township hall
Aluminum Cans
Aluminum is made from bauxite ore. Eighty percent of the world’s bauxite production is from strip mining which causes the destruction of forests and contaminates rivers and streams.
Recycling aluminum also saves energy, requiring 1/10 of the energy as compared to using raw materials.
All curbside programs
Recycling trailer program
Dove RSVP Recycling Center
130 W. Cerro Gordo - 422-3977
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Midwest Fiber Co.
1902 N. Water Street - 424-9460
Sol Tick & Co.
1180 N. 22nd Street - 429-4148
Suburban Disposal
390 W. North Warrensburg - 672-8483
U.S. Scrap
1551 E. McBride Av. - 233-0090
Antifreeze
See Household Hazardous Waste
Appliances
See White Goods
Automobiles
Automobiles are the most recycled manufactured product. Each year, the steel industry recycles more than 14 million tons of steel from end-of-life vehicles. This is equivalent to nearly 13.5 million automobiles. When
comparing the amount of steel recycled from automobiles each year to the amount of steel used to produce new automobiles that same year, automobiles maintain a recycling rate of nearly 100 percent. (Source: Steel Recycling Institute, 2007)
Steel scrap is derived not only from automobiles but also from steel cans, appliances and construction material.
American Lung Association Vehicle Donation Program
www.giveacar.org
1-800-583-4425
America's Car Donation Charities Center
www.donateacar.com
1-800-237-4714
Salvation Army
www.thesalvationarmycardonationprogram.org
Sol Tick & Co.
429-4148
U.S. Scrap
233-0090
Batteries / Automotive
Advance Auto Parts
1112 E. Eldorado - 423-9181
Auto Zone
3050 Brett Ave - 876-8317
1434 E. Eldorado - 362-0222
1215 N. University Ave. - 425-2908
Billingsley Amoco
1725 S. Franklin - 428-5421
Rexx Battery
1330 E. Eldorado - 422-0281
Midwest Fiber Co.
1902 N. Water Street - 424-9460
NAPA Auto Parts
3010 N. Woodford - 877-7456
O'Reilly Auto Parts
1938 E. Eldorado - 428-1340
2315 N. Oakland - 875-2973
Batteries, Rechargeable
Rechargeable batteries can be charged hundreds of times without losing the ability to hold a charge, while single-use batteries are “one and done." Rechargeable batteries are more cost effective over time.
Drop-off boxes for household, rechargeable batteries are located at:
Daniels True Value
2809 N Main St - 875-0711
Kenny's Ace Hardware
2880 South Mt Zion Road - 864-9314
Lowe's Home Improvement
990 Hickory Point Plaza Forsyth - 876-9750
Macon County Environmental Management
141 S. Main, Room 408 - 425-4505
Maroa Lumber Company
229 E. Main St., Maroa - 794-2226
Radio Shack
4202 W. Prospect - 875-7334
Staples
900 Commerce Pl, Forsyth - 875-9951
Books
Area Libraries
Recycling trailer program*
Catholic Charities
247 W. Prairie Ave. - 428-3458
Friends of the Library (Decatur Library)
130 N. Franklin St. - 414-2900
Old Book Barn (offers credit)
126 S. State Route 51 - 875-0222
Salvation Army
1447 W. King - 428-4513
229 W. Main - 429-8050
* Soft Cover Only
Also check for literacy and after school programs in your area.
Building Materials
(construction & demolition)
Construction
and demolition (C&D) waste comprises 23% to 33% of
municipal solid waste sent to landfills. Many of these materials
can be reused or recycled, thus prolonging our supply of natural
resources and potentially reducing costs.
Common C&D materials include lumber, drywall, metals, masonry
(brick, concrete, etc.), carpet, plastic, pipe, cardboard, or green
waste related to land development. Of these, metals are the most
commonly recycled material while lumber makes up the majority of
debris going to a local landfill.
Contractors Recycled Material*
2290 N. Woodford St. - 855-4365
Decatur Concrete Recycle**
2750 N. Jasper - 875-4235 or 586-4536
Decatur Wood Products***
800 East Garfield Ave. - 424-2602
Old House Society
214 E. Douglas St. Bloomington - 309-820-0548
PACA’s Architectural Salvage Warehouse
44 E. Washington St. Champaign - 309-359-7222
ReStore Habitat for Humanity
250 W. Cerro Gordo St. - 425-6446
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursday & Saturday
Sol Tick & Co.
429-4148
U.S. Scrap****
233-0090
*Concrete (no paint on concrete) no asphalt no brick accepted (hrs. 7:00 AM—4:00 PM)
**Concrete (no paint on concrete) and asphalt no brick accepted (hrs. 7:00 AM—4:00 PM)
***Clean dimensional lumber and wood pallets
****Ferrous and non-ferrous items
Business Recycling Services
(Collection Containers,
Transportation & Recycling)
Dove / RSVP*
422-3977
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Streibich Disposal
963-2670
Veolia ES
963-2981
Waste Management
428-4505
* PETE plastic #1
Cardboard
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Cell Phones
Barbeck Communications (all locations)
428-7000
Dove RSVP Recycling Center
422-3977
Lowe's Home Improvement
876-9750
Macon County Environmental Mgnt.
425-4505
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Radio Shack
875-7334
RBRC
800-822-8837
Rexx Battery
422-0281
Staples
875-9951
Target
875-6060
Many local schools and organizations collect cell phones to raise funds.
Clothing
Clothing and household reuse supports and contributes to an important need in our community. If a yard sale is not an option, please consider donating locally to one of the shops listed below. Additionally, the Salvation Army has placed convenient drop off boxes around the county.
Blessingdales
235 W. Eldorado St. - 358-6124
Castaways*
985 W. Pershing Rd. - 875-4156
Catholic Charities
428-3458
DMH Thrift Shop
553 W. Wood St. - 428-8512
Dove Children Clothing Closet*
302 S. Union - 429-9224
Economy Shop
967 N. Water - 423-3003
Hope's Attic
2940 N MLK, Jr. - 872-8842
Long Creek Town Hall*
2610 Salem School Road - 864-3212
LSA Resale Shop
201 W. Eldorado St. - 423-0122
Masters Touch
1130 N. Main - 429-0545
New To You
1985 E. Pershing - 876-7305
Salvation Army
428-4513
Worn Again**
4012 Fulton Ave. - 429-1062
* children’s clothing only
** consignment only
Computers / Electronics / Televisions
Every year, 3.2 million tons of electronic scrap or E-waste is disposed in our country. E-Waste is America's fastest-growing waste and contributes a percentage of toxic waste in landfills. Toxic chemicals include: lead oxide, mercury, nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium, antimony, barium, beryllium and polyvinyl chloride.
Illinois Public Act 095-0959, the Electronic Products Recycling & Reuse Act, has banned 17 residential electronic items from being mixed with municipal solid waste or placed in landfills. Electronics from businesses were previously banned from landfills prior to the passage of Act.
The 17 banned residential electronic items are:
- Computers
- Computer monitors
- Televisions
- Printers
- Electronic keyboards
- Electronic computer mice
- Fax machines
- VCR recorders
- Portable digital music players
- Digital video disc players
- Video game consoles
- Small-scale servers
- Scanners
- Digital converter boxes
- Cable receivers
- Satellite receivers
- Video disc recorders
The following options are available in Macon County for recycling residential electronics:
- Advanced Technology Recycling - Macon County location opening in Spring 2012
- Best Buy*
1450 Koester Dr., Forsyth - 875-2418
- Staples *
900 Commerce Place Dr. - 875-9951
- Veolia ES Valley View Landfill, serviced by ATR*
1363 Bear Road, Decatur – 429-0020
- One Day Collections
Macon County in partnership with Advanced Technology Recycling will host a number of one-day collections for residential electronics. Please call 425-4505 for notification of dates.
*Restrictions may apply. Electronics items beyond the 17 banned items may be accepted. Please call prior to drop-off for details.
Eye Glasses
As part of the Lions Club recycling project, 400,000 eyeglasses are recycled each year. To date more than 3 million pairs of recycled eyeglasses have been distributed by Lions around the world.
Lions Club International
www.lionsclub.org
Maroa Lumber Company
794-2226
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
or contact your eye care professional.
Fire Extinguishers
All Season Co.
167 Excelsior School Road - 519-0367
CC Fire Equipment Co. Inc.
4377 Faries Parkway
Fluorescent Light Bulbs – Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs only
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs used in residential applications may be recycled at the locations below. Please reuse packaging for storage and transportation of old bulbs. Should a fluorescent bulb break, please refer to the mercury section for proper clean-up methods.
Please note: Bulbs from business and industry applications are excluded from the residential collection program due to environmental regulations.
Kenny's Ace Hardware
864-9314
Lowe's Home Improvement
876-9750
Maroa Lumber Company
794-2226
Gasoline
See Household Hazardous Waste
Glass (bottles/jars)
Glass containers are 100% recyclable. Recycling glass saves landfill space, and uses 40% less energy than manufacturing from new materials. Recycled glass reduces air pollution by 20% and water pollution by 50%.
Some curbside programs
CPR Enterprises Inc.
4315 Turpin Road 429-2771
www.cprrecycling.com
A container next to the Elwin & Long Creek recycling trailers but not in the trailers.
Grocery Bags (plastic)
Bergner’s
Staples
Cub Foods
Target
Kroger
Wal-Mart
Household Hazardous Waste
For more information call Macon County
Environmental Management Department at
425-4505. For potential Household Hazardous Waste dates and collections including permanent collection centers (Naperville, Chicago &
Rockford) visit the Illinois EPA web site.
Junk Mail (consider shredding personal documents)
Recycling trailer program
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Suburban (curbside)
672-8483
Stop Junk Mail ($1 fee)
DMA Mail Preference Service
PO Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512
www.DMAchoice.org
Stop Catalogs (free)
www.CatalogChoice.org
Stop Credit Card Offers (free)
Equifax, TransUnion, Novus Credit, Experian
1-888-567-8688 (1-888-5-OPTOUT)
www.OptOutPrescreen.com
Stop Shopping Flyers (free)
Valpak Coupons 1-800-237-6266
www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm
Landscape Materials
Decatur Compost
3680 Bearsdale Rd. - 428-1039
Macon County Compost Facility
3455 N. Bearsdale Rd. - 424-1626
Magazines
Most curbside programs
Recycling trailer program
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Suburban Disposal
672-8483
Mercury-Containing Products in the Home
Mercury may be used in: Thermostats, gauges, barometers, switches in children's light up
sneakers and by hobbyists.
It is not uncommon for homeowners to use or
acquire or find products containing liquid mercury in their homes. Thermostats made after July 1, 2007 (Public Act 093-0964) do not contain mercury. Broken products containing mercury can become a source for exposure that could pose personal risk.
In order to protect health and the environment, safe and proper
disposal of mercury is vital! Mercury-containing products have
no alternative disposal options and must be saved for a household
hazardous waste collection. To minimize potential hazards, keep
mercury-containing products in an airtight, leak-proof container.
Until material is delivered to a collection, keep the container
stored out of reach of children and away from any potential breakage.
Kitty litter or oil absorbent should be placed around the product
to protect it from breaking or sudden shocks. Clearly label storage
container as “Mercury-DO NOT OPEN.”
What To Do If You Have a Mercury Spill
All mercury spills, regardless of quantity, should be treated seriously. If you have a broken mercury containing device (thermometers, CFLs, etc. ) or an elemental mercury spill in your home, contact the Macon County
Environmental Management Department at (217) 425-4505 or the Mercury Hotline at (888) 522-1282.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) contain a small amount of mercury. A release of mercury may occur if the glass portion of the CFL is broken.
Following proper procedures when containing and cleaning up the mercury will minimize any exposure risk.
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the breakage. This
will spread the mercury vapor and dust throughout the area and
could potentially contaminate the vacuum.
- Keep people and pets away from the breakage area until the
cleanup is complete.
- Ventilate the area by opening windows, and leave the area
for 15 minutes before returning to begin the cleanup to allow
mercury vapor to dissipate.
- For maximum protection, wear rubber gloves to protect your
hands from the sharp glass.
- Next, begin collecting the smaller pieces and dust. You can
use two stiff pieces of paper such as index cards or playing
cards to scoop up pieces. Carefully remove the larger pieces
and place them in a secure closed container, preferably a glass
container.
- Pat the area with the sticky side of duct tape, packing tape
or masking tape to pick up fine particles. Wipe the area with
a wet wipe or damp paper towel to pick up finer particles.
- Put all waste and materials into the glass container, including
all material used in the cleanup that may have been contaminated
with mercury. Label the container as “broken lamp.”
- Wash your hands and face.
- Continue ventilating the room for several hours.
- Remove the container with the breakage and cleanup materials
from your home. Take the glass container to a facility that accepts
household hazardous waste or place in trash. Do not take a broken CFL to a retail collection facility.
- When a break happens on carpeting, homeowners may consider removing throw rugs or the area of carpet where the breakage occurred as a precaution, particularly if the rug is in an area frequented by infants, small children or pregnant women.
Metals
Midwest Fiber Co. *
424-9460
Sol Tick & Co.**
429-4148
U.S. Scrap***
233-0090
* non-ferrous (aluminum, brass, bronze, copper)
** ferrous & non-ferrous
***ferrous (iron, steel)
Newspaper & Office Paper
Recycling trailer program
Most curbside programs
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Suburban Disposal
672-8483
Oils & Lubricants (motor oil / transmission)*
Advance Auto Parts
423-9181
Auto Zone (all locations)
876-8317
Greg’s Automotive Specialist (Mt. Zion)
864-4400
Nicks Auto Body**
423-0808
O'Reilly Auto Parts (all locations)
428-1340
Speed Lube (all locations)
429-9508
* daily limits apply
** transmission fluid only
Alternative recycling options for
Cooking Oil, Hydraulic Fluid, Motor Oil, & Transmission Fluid Recycling:
The Macon County Environmental Management Department has given
several local communities grants to install heaters that burn used motor oil in their community buildings. If you have used motor oil, cooking oil, transmission or hydraulic oil, please contact the closest township for
instructions. Hours of operation are limited and the oil must be dropped off. Farmers and private individuals can participate in the recycling effort, but businesses are not eligible. There is no cost and you will be helping our local communities.
Blue Mound Township
865-2911
City of Maroa
794-5230
Pleasant View Township
692-2753
South Macon Township
764-3022
Village of Blue Mound
692-2822
Packing Peanuts
Mail Boxes Etc.
303 E. Pershing Rd.
429-6245
Paint
Almost 2 gallons of paint per person is sold each year. Unfortunately much of it ends up as liquid in landfills intended for solid waste, potentially
contaminating soil, water and air.
- Natural paints made from citrus and other botanicals are free
of biocides and preservatives.
- Milk paints (casein paints) have health and eco-friendly properties.
- Latex paint is water-based and less toxic than oil paint (petroleum-based).
- Paint, if stored correctly (upside down with a tight seal around
the lid), can last years.
Ways You Can Help
- Consider buying latex paint (instead of oil based).
- Use leftover paint before buying new paint.
- Donate unused paint to neighbors, friends, family or groups
that can use it.
- Never pour paint down the drain, on the ground or in a storm sewer.
- Let latex paint dry completely before putting into a trash can.
- •To accelerate drying add sawdust or high clay content
kitty litter.
To avoid wasting paint use the free services offered by Paint Calculator websites which estimate how much paint it may take to cover wall space...indoors or outdoors.
Pallets
Decatur Wood Products
424-2602
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Phone Books
Recycling trailer program
Most curbside programs
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Suburban Disposal
672-8483
Plastics (#1—#7)
Recycling trailer program
Most curbside programs
Midwest Fiber Co.
424-9460
Suburban Disposal
672-8483
Plastic is the most commonly used container used
today, but only 27% are recycled. Recycling one ton of plastic conserves
4 barrels of oil. (Source American Chemistry Council) Since oil derivates
are utilized to produce plastic containers, increased plastic recycling
directly affects our nation’s oil consumption.
How You Can Help
- Know which plastics (1—7) are accepted by recyclers.
- Wash and reuse a reusable drink container or personal glass container.
- Buy recycled plastic products and plastics that can be recycled.
- Consider drinking filtered tap water as opposed to buying bottled
water.
The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) code was developed
to meet recyclers’ needs while providing manufacturers a consistent,
uniform system. Because municipal recycling programs traditionally
targeted packaging, primarily containers, the SPI coding system offered
a means of identifying the resin content of bottles and containers
commonly found in the residential waste stream. Recycling firms have
varying standards for the plastics they accept. Some firms may require
that plastics be sorted by type and separated from other recyclables,
some may specify that mixed plastics are acceptable if they are separated
from other recyclables, while others may accept all material mixed
together.
To assist with recycling plastic containers look for these symbols listed
below:
Printer & Toner Cartridges
Best Buy
875-2418
Cartridge World
215 West Ash Ave. - 875-0465
Macon County Environmental Management
425-4505
Target*
875-6060
Maroa Lumber Company*
794-2226
Staples
875-9951
Walgreens (all locations)*
429-1988
* printer cartridges only
Propane Cylinders
Ames Propane
6095 East Rt. 36 - 864-2591
HicksGas Decatur
2526 North Water Street - 428-4656
Records, Tapes, Discs & Video Games
Game Stop
1050 Hickory Point, Forsyth -
875-9743
4655 East Maryland St. - 864-9777
235 E Ash Ave -
876-9242
Salvation Army
428-4513
Other thrift stores may accept items.
*CD’s and Video Games ONLY
Smoke Detectors (manufacture program)
Both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms
contain plastic and electronic circuit boards and in some cases batteries (alkaline or lithium). Ionization technology also includes a chamber containing
radioactive material incorporated into a gold matrix.
The amount of radioactive material in the smoke alarm at the end of its certified useful life will be about the same as when you bought it. (source USEPA) The best disposal option for smoke detectors is to return it to the manufacturer, if possible.
First Alert and BRK Brand Detectors:
First Alert, Inc.
3920 Enterprise Court
Aurora, IL 60504-8132
Mark package "For Disposal Only"
Code One / Firex / Kidde / Maple Chase Smoke
Detector Products:
Kidde Residential & Commercial Division
1-800-880-6788
Thermostats
Macon County Environmental Management
425-4505
Thrift Stores
Blessingdales
358-6124
Catholic Charities
428-3458
DMH Thrift Shop
428-8512
Hope's Attic
872-8842
LSA Resale Shop
423-0122
Masters Touch
429-0545
New To You
876-7305
Olga's House of Stuff
5175 N. Water Street
429-3991
Salvation Army
428-4513
Tin Cans (steel or tin cans)
Every day, Americans use 100 million steel cans. A year’s worth of cans laid end to end would make 18 round trips to the moon. Steel can be recycled indefinitely. It takes 95% less energy to recycle a tin can compared to using new materials, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing
environmental damage caused by mining. Recycle trailer program
Midwest Fiber Co. - 424-9460
Suburban - 672-8483
Tires
Illinois
disposal of tires in landfills has been prohibited since July 1,
1990. Tires are not permitted at landfills, due to their large volumes
and 75% void space, which quickly consumes valuable space. Tires
can trap methane gases, causing them to become buoyant, or ‘bubble’ to the surface. This ‘bubbling’ effect
can damage landfill liners that have been installed to help keep
landfill contaminants from polluting local surface and ground water.
290 million tires are used every year, 55 million are illegally dumped. Used tires are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents. Illegally burning tires releases toxic fumes off into the air.
Call your local tire dealer (fee may apply).
White Goods
(appliances)
Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners and washers, contain toxins that contaminate water and soil if not properly
disposed. When purchasing a new appliance, ask the store if they will recycle your old unit. If not, hire a legitimate recycler or waste hauler. If the appliance works, donate it to charity or see if someone in the local community could put it to good use.
Dick Van Dyke
134 North MLK Jr. - 423-7424*
Sol Tick & Co.
429-4148**
U.S. Scrap
233-0090**
* A fee may apply
** Freon must be removed by licensed individual
Disposal of Unwanted or Unused Pharmaceuticals
Disposal of unused or unwanted pharmaceuticals is an emerging and complex environmental issue. Waste
pharmaceuticals include a wide variety of items, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. These wastes come in the form of solid pills and capsules, creams, liquids and aerosols.
Don't Flush!
The age-old advice of flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet is now
considered to be the least desirable of all alternatives. For many years many households flushed waste pharmaceuticals down the toilet or poured them down the drain. However, wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are generally not designed to treat pharmaceutical waste. Residents are
advised to save old or unwanted medications for an Illinois EPA
sponsored household hazardous waste collection.
Handling/Disposal Options for Households
1. Reduce pharmaceutical waste whenever possible:
- Use medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
- Purchase only what is necessary.
- When your doctor prescribes a new medication, ask the doctor
to prescribe only enough to see if the medication will work for
you and in the lowest dose advisable. Follow the same procedure
with your veterinary prescriptions.
2. Dispose of the remainder properly.
- Dispose of your unused pharmaceuticals in the trash, especially
when there is a risk of accidental poisoning, overdose or diversion.
When placing unused pharmaceuticals in the trash, be sure to do
the following:
- remove or mark over all labels that identify the materials
as pharmaceuticals or that could provide personal information
about you, including prescription information that someone
could try to refill.
- render them unattractive by dissolving them in a small
amount of water or alcohol, or by grinding them up and mixing
them with coffee grounds or kitty litter.
- put them in a second container or small plastic bag and
hide them in your trash.
Walgreens has launched the first ongoing, nationwide Safe Medication Disposal Program, a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Customers can purchase a specially
designed envelope available at any Walgreens pharmacy counter that allows them to place, seal and mail prescription or over-the-counter medications they no longer use for safe, eco-friendly disposal. Controlled substances are excluded from this program due to current regulations. Postage is included in the cost of the envelope.
Never burn pharmaceuticals or personal care products in a burn barrel.
Uncontrolled burning can create dioxins and other air pollutants.
Website Sources for Additional Information
The inclusion of links from this site does not imply endorsement by the City of Decatur nor Macon County. The City and County makes no
endorsement, express or implied, of any links to or from its site, nor is it responsible for the content or activities of any linked sites. Any questions should be directed to the administrator of this or any other specific sites.
Agricultural Watershed Institute
www.agwatershed.org
Asbestos Information
www.epa.state.il.us/small-business/asbestos-in-home/index.html
or
www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashomeohtml
Composting 101
www.composting101.com
or
urbanext.illinois.edu/compost/
Community Environmental Council
www.maconcec.org/events.php
Decatur, City of
www.ci.decatur.il.us
Earth 911
www.earth911.com
Food Waste
www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/organics/food/fd-res.htm
Freecycle
www.freecycle.org
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.state.il.us/land/waste-mgmt/az-list.html#L
Macon County Conservation
www.maconcountyconservation.org
Macon County Environmental Management Department
www.maconcounty-il.gov/environmental-management-department
Mother Earth News
www.motherearthnews.com
Sustainable Decatur
www.facebook.com/pages/Sustainable-Decatur/111708972193558?ref=search&sid=1901188.1732588204..1
Tire Information
www.epa.state.il.us/land/tires/index.html
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program
web.extension.illinois.edu/mg/
Victory Gardens
www.revivevictorygarden.org
WalMart United Way Cell Phone Recycling
www.walmart.com/cp/Cell-Phone-Recycling/645822
The illegal dumping of garbage is a risk to health and environment.
If you see someone dumping garbage, please call the Macon County Environmental Management Department at 425-0291 or 425-4505.
Chemical Quick Guide
T - Trash you are able to put it out with your household waste.
R - Recycle
S - Save for a household hazardous waste collection day.
F - Flush down your drain ONLY if you are connected to a municipal sewer system.
None of this information applies to businesses or individuals for profit including professional hobbyist. All Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) rules apply.
For more information please call Macon County Environmental Management at 425-4505
| Adhesive and glue, water-based |
T |
|
|
|
Adhesive and glue, solvent-based(1) (Should be placed in trash with lid off, only if hardened.)
|
|
|
S |
|
Aerosol Paints
|
|
|
S |
|
After-shave/perfume
|
|
|
|
F |
Ammonia-based Cleaners(3)
|
|
|
|
F |
Ammunition (Contact law enforcement for proper disposal in your area.)
|
|
|
|
|
Antifreeze
|
|
R |
S |
|
Artist and hobby paint(4)
|
|
R |
S |
|
Auto battery
|
|
R |
S |
|
Batteries, alkaline (low mercury)
|
|
|
S |
|
Batteries, ni-cad or button
|
|
R |
S |
|
Bleach-based Cleaners(3)
|
|
|
|
F |
Brake fluid
|
|
R |
S |
|
Cellular Telephones
|
|
R |
|
|
Cosmetics
|
T |
|
|
|
Degreaser
|
|
|
S |
|
Depilatories
|
|
|
|
F |
Diesel fuel
|
|
|
S |
|
Disinfectant
|
|
|
|
F |
Drain cleaner(2)
|
|
|
S |
|
Fabric dye, concentrated
|
|
|
S |
|
| Fertilizer, dry |
T |
|
|
|
Fertilizer, with weed killer
|
|
|
S |
|
Fireworks (Soak in water until saturated, then place in trash.)
|
T |
|
|
|
Floor wax/stripper(2)
|
|
|
S |
|
Fluorescent tubes, bulbs & ballasts
|
|
R |
S |
|
Furniture polish(2)
|
|
|
S |
|
Gasoline (Use a UL approved safety container, keep away from flame, spark and heat.)
|
T |
|
|
|
Glass cleaner
|
|
|
|
F |
Hair permanent lotion
|
|
|
|
F |
Herbicides
|
|
|
S |
|
Hobby chemicals
|
|
|
S |
|
Insecticides
|
|
|
S |
|
Kerosene
|
|
|
S |
|
Lawn chemicals
|
|
|
S |
|
Mercury & Thermostats
|
|
|
S |
|
Metal cleaner
|
|
|
S |
|
Moth balls
|
|
|
S |
|
| Motor oil |
|
R |
|
|
Nail polish, hardened
|
T |
|
|
|
Nail polish, remover
|
|
|
S |
|
Oven cleaner(2)
|
|
|
S |
|
Paint or primer, latex- without lead or mercury
|
T |
R |
|
|
Paint or primer, latex- with lead or mercury(4)
|
|
|
S |
|
Paint or primer, oil-based
|
|
R |
S |
|
Paint remover and stripper
|
|
|
S |
|
Paint thinner
|
|
|
S |
|
| Pesticides |
|
|
S |
|
Photography chemicals (Contact your wastewater treatment facility.)
|
|
|
|
|
| Prescription medicines (Chemotherapy drugs and antineoplastic medicines should be returned to dispensing clinic) |
|
|
|
F |
Putty, grout, caulk
|
T |
|
|
|
Rat/rodent poison
|
|
|
S |
|
Rust remover
|
|
|
S |
|
Smoke detector (take out battery)
|
|
|
S |
|
Solvents
|
|
|
S |
|
Spackle, glaze
|
T |
|
|
|
Spot remover(2)
|
|
|
S |
|
Stain and varnish
|
|
R |
S |
|
Syringes (Store in rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container; seal prior to disposal.)
|
T |
|
|
|
Swimming pool& hot tub chemicals(3)
|
|
|
S |
|
Thermometer, mercury
|
|
|
S |
|
Toilet bowl cleaner
|
|
|
|
F |
Transmission fluid
|
|
R |
|
|
Weed killer
|
|
|
S |
|
Windshield wiper fluid
|
|
|
|
F |
| Wood preservative |
|
|
S |
|
- Solvent-containing products include the words “flammable,” “combustible” or “contain petroleum distillates” on
the label.
- Not all types of these products need to be saved for collection.
Read labels carefully, and call your local official for disposal
advice.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia. Chlorine Gas may result.
- Note: (Empty cans and/or dried paint without lead can go in
the trash)
For a list of the Illinois EPA Household Hazardous Waste Collections please visit
www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste/hhwc-schedule.html
