We are pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Garrity as SWALCO’s new Chairman of the Board, effective August 22, 2024. Mr. Garrity has served as Village Trustee in Libertyville since 2013. He has also served on NIU’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Presidential Search Preparation Committee for NIU, and NIU’s Greek Alumni Council. Mr. Garrity already has an established history with SWALCO as the designated SWALCO Director for the Village of Libertyville and has actively supported our programs and efforts since his start.

Please join us in welcoming Peter Garrity to his new role within the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and wishing him every success on this journey!

If your kids have outgrown last year's Halloween costumes, don't let them gather dust! Donate used, gently-used, or new costumes to SWALCO's Clothing and Textiles Collection Program. By giving these costumes a second life, you're helping reduce textile waste and supporting a more sustainable future. Let's make this Halloween eco-friendly--drop off your costumes and other unwanted clothing at one of our collection sites today! Together, we can make a difference, one costume at a time.

Lake County residents have various options for managing fall leaves. Many communities offer seasonal yard waste collection from April to October, with some providing additional fall leaf pickups. Depending on your area, leaves may need to be placed in brown paper landscape collection bags or near the street for vacuum truck removal. If you're unsure about your community's collection process, contact your waste and recycling service for details.

For those with curbside composting services, you can combine food scraps with yard waste for a greener option! Residents of Deerfield, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Highwood, and Avon Township have year-round yard waste and food scrap collection. Composting not only reduces waste but also enriches the soil. Additionally, consider letting leaves lie where they fall or move them to plant beds around your property. Over the winter, they will provide an insulating blanket and break down, providing nutrients to the soil.

To get more information, including your contact information for your community's waste and recycling service provider, visit swalco.org. For more information about other ways to manage leaves on your property, please visit the University of Illinois Extension website for helpful suggestions.

Combine 1 and 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds, 2 teaspoons melted butter or olive/vegetable oil, and 1 pinch salt. Spread seeds out on cookie sheet and bake at 300 for 45 minutes until golden brown. Add your favorite seasonings like garlic powder or nutmeg and cinnamon, or try grated hard cheeses like parmesan. Make them savory or sweet, if you dare!

*Don't leave out salted or sugared pumpkin seeds for animals.