The SWALCO Scoop
November 12, 2024
Hello SWALCO fans!
Welcome to the fifth edition of The SWALCO Scoop, our monthly electronic newsletter! This month, we're sharing helpful resources and updates, including where to recycle corrugated plastic yard signs, discovering more about native plants through the Garden Learning Series, how to safely dispose of Thanksgiving cooking oils and fats, and new clothing and textile drop-off locations.
Now through the end of November, you can recycle corrugated plastic yard signs at the Highland Park Recycling Center. Be sure to remove wire supports, which can be recycled separately as scrap metal.
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Location: 1180 Half Day Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
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Hours of Operation: Every Tuesday and the first Saturday of each month, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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More Info: Visit cityhpil.com/recyclingcenter or call (847) 432-0807
Additionally, the Grayslake Waste Management facility will accept these signs, with separate containers for plastic signs and metal wire supports. The two items must be separate and placed in the respective boxes.
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Location: 30869 IL-83, Grayslake, IL 60030
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Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Please Note: These programs are for corrugated plastic yard signs only. Do not place these signs in regular home recycling bins--bring them to a drop-off location to be recycled properly.
 Wauconda Pumpkin Smash 2024
A big thank you to all the residents and towns that participated in and hosted Pumpkin Smash events across Lake County! Your efforts helped us compost countless pumpkins, keeping them out of the landfill and giving back to the earth. We're excited to share some great photos from the event in Wauconda, where SWALCO provided compost to households that joined in the fun. Together, we're making a positive impact--one pumpkin at a time!
There's still time to compost your pumpkin! LRS is providing a pumpkin drop-off all month long. Visit swalco.org/pumpkin to learn more.
Have photos you'd like to share? Tag us on Facebook or Instagram!
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Starting native plants from seed can be challenging until you know the tricks to sparking germination. Join the Lake County Forest Preserve District on November 13 to discover what it means to stratify and scarify seeds and which species need which treatment. Register for session 10, "Starting Native Plants from Seed," using this link: https://go.illinois.edu/2024NativeSeedStarting
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will present the final Garden Learning Series session of 2024 on December 11. This presentation will primarily focus on the various vegetative options to propagate your houseplants. The Master Gardeners will cover tools, techniques, and methods to get you motivated to create new houseplants from your existing houseplants! Register for session 11, "Houseplant Propagation," using this link: https://go.illinois.edu/2024Propagation
All Garden Learning Series presentations are free and virtual on Zoom. Registration closes the Tuesday before each session at 11:59pm. Zoom link, slides, and handouts will be emailed to registrants by 2pm the day of the presentation (check all email folders including spam).
The 2025 Garden Learning Series is almost finalized! Stay tuned for announcements coming soon. We have a wonderful line-up of garden programs planned for you in the new year.
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Cooking Fats, Oils, and Grease
Cooking oils, fats, and grease should not be poured down the sink, and they should not be composted. Alternatively, collect your cooking oils, fats, and grease in a sealed container, like a jar, and place it in the trash. You can also bring it to one of SWALCO's Household Chemical Waste (HCW) Collection Events.
SWALCO is hosting two HCW events in November and one in December. Appointments are required. Visit our website to book your appointment today!
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SWALCO is excited to announce that TWO new sites have been added to our year-round Clothing & Textile collection program!
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Warren Township High School (O'Plaine Campus)
- 500 N O'Plaine Road, Gurnee, IL 60031
- Available 24/7 at your convenience
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John Crane, Inc.
- 6400 Oakton Street (corner of Oakton Street and River Road), Morton Grove, IL 60053
- Available 24/7 at your convenience
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If you have unwanted/outgrown Halloween costumes, drop them off at one of our convenient locations. New and gently used donations are tax deductible. Visit our website to learn more about our Clothing & Textile collection program and find a drop-off location near you.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Special Material Collection events in 2024! Our collections of special materials, including latex paint, labeled single-use propane, fire extinguishers, and car seats, have concluded for the year and will resume in May 2025.
To stay updated on Special Material Collections, events, and more, visit swalco.org.
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ALL MONTH: LRS Pumpkin Smash
- Mondays - Thursdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fridays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- 1350 N Old Rand Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
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November 13: Garden Learning Series - Starting Native Plants from Seeds
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November 15: America Recycles Day
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November 16: HCW Drop-Off
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November 16: Holiday Recycling Event
- Adler Park Lodge
- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- 1640 N Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
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To learn more about these programs and more, visit swalco.org.
Check with your community for more events and opportunities.
Thanks for taking a moment to catch up on The SWALCO Scoop! Please encourage your family and friends to sign up for our exclusive newsletter to stay informed on latest news, updates, and events. Together, we can make a difference!
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