Recycling is the process of transforming
old materials into new products.

In doing so, old materials become the raw materials for the manufacture of useful materials thereby reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials, energy usage, air from incineration and water from pollution by reducing the need for ‘conventional’ waste disposal and consequently lowering greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production.

Recyclables typically originate from homes, businesses and industry and include glass, paper, metal, textiles and plastics. Recycling is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy.
 

In today’s world the importance of recycling is becoming greater of a concern both for the general public and also to the economy. Recycling has become a major issue as scientific research has shown that the earth and its natural resources are being depleted at a rate unable to sustain a healthy balance. Recycling is one of the best ways for you to have a positive impact on the world in which we live. Recycling is important to both the natural environment and us. We must act fast as the amount of waste we create is increasing all the time.

The Village’s curbside recycling program began in 1991 at which time the Village Board of Trustees and the DuPage County Board worked together to site a Materials Processing Facility for recycling to support the various municipal programs taking shape during this time. The facility operators have rebated approximately $1.3 million over the 17 years of the facility’s operation of which the Village Board has rebated $1.1 million to residents and refuse collection billing credits honoring their support of the community’s recycling program.

In Carol Stream, the Village has taken its role as a local solid waste authority seriously and worked with the current residential waste collection franchise hauler Flood Brothers Disposal Co. of Oak Brook Terrace to expand its residential curbside program by switching over from 20-gallon bins to 65-gallon recycling toters. This program enhancement has been overwhelmingly successful as approximately 4,400 tons of materials were recycled during the 2007 collection year increasing the overall recycling rate by 10% or an additional 365 tons (73,000 lbs.).  For questions concerning Carol Stream's recycling program you may contact Administration at (630) 871-6250 or email to: AdminDept@carolstream.org

The Village’s legacy of partnering with its residents to manage its waste efficiently with a laser focus on waste reduction and diversion rather than traditional cost containment measures has been the foundation of the success of our program. This legacy will continue unabated into the future as the Village works side-by-side with its residents to expand our role as environmental stewards.