Solarize Chicagoland, Evanston Recycles, and Sustainable Businesses

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The City offers a service in which food and yard waste can be picked up simultaneously. Residents can now place all acceptable food waste in their food and yard waste cart. The City recommends placing food items in a compostable bag prior to placing them in the food and yard waste cart to keep food contained. 

Food and yard waste carts can be purchased through an online order form or by calling 311.The cart will be emptied weekly on regular trash and recycling collection days until mid-December. Please note that food waste should not be placed in paper yard waste bags.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for year round composting with Collective Resource, the City’s exclusive food waste hauler. 

Composting your organic material, like food and yard waste, supports Evanston's zero waste goal by 2050. Happy composting!

The City recently launched Sustain Evanston, a program that recognizes local businesses for implementing sustainable actions, such as installing LED lighting or establishing a composting system. Any restaurant or office/retail business can apply by filling out a checklist and survey. Recognized businesses that prove they have adopted 10 sustainable actions will receive $250 and a "Sustain Evanston" window decal that shows their commitment to sustainability. To see a list of recognized businesses follow the link for more info below.  The deadline for required actions and documentation submission is August 4, 2019.

Solarize Chicagoland is a program that offers the installation of solar panels on residential properties at a reduced price through group buying. The program helps Evanston residents actively support the Climate Action and Resilience Plan's 100% renewable energy goal. GRNE Solar, a company that specializes in solar energy systems, will be carrying out free property assessments. Enrollment closes on September 30, 2019,  and has a maximum capacity of 150 participants. Solarize hosts “Solar Power Hours,” which are information sessions covering the basics and installation process of solar energy. The next Solar Power Hour in Evanston is on Thursday, August 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Morton Civic Center.

Evanston Recycles

The City of Evanston will host its ninth annual "Evanston Recycles" event on Saturday, July 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. The free "drive up, drop off" event provides residents an opportunity to recycle and donate a variety of items and securely shred documents. Acceptable items include electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, American flags, and more.

Save the Date

Lake Appreciation Day – Saturday, July 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lighthouse Beach (2611 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201). A fun and educational event for children and caregivers.

Producemobile - Tuesday, July 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Robert Crown Center (1701 Main Street, Evanston, IL, 60201). A truck that distributes free fresh fruits and vegetables on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Beaches in the Northern Lakeshore and Resilient Coastlines: Public Forum - Wednesday, July 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30  p.m. at the Evanston Environmental Association (2024 McCormick Boulevard, Evanston, IL, 60201). Find out about why Evanston's beaches are disappearing and what you can do to help. 

Vintage Garage Flea Market - Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maple Avenue Parking Garage (1800 Maple Ave Evanston, Illinois 60201). Minimize waste and maximize fun by shopping vintage fashion, decor, oddities, and more. 

Tips and Tricks

Have you ever wondered whether or not plastic film can be recycled at home? Unfortunately, the answer is no, but don't let that discourage you! Plastic film can be dropped off at various locations around Evanston including public libraries and most community centers. For the full list and more information, visit the Special Collection Services page.