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The SWALCO Scoop

July 9, 2025

Greetings, SWALCO fans!

Welcome to The SWALCO Scoop, our monthly electronic newsletter! This month, we're bringing you updates on items accepted at Household Chemical Waste events and shouting out new Clothing and Textile Collection Program locations. We've got tons of events this month, so don't forget to check out our events calendar!

Household Chemical Waste Update

SWALCO is expanding its household chemical waste (HCW) accepted materials list to include a larger variety of household battery types. The following batteries are accepted:

• Single-Use Non-Rechargeable Alkaline and Primary Batteries: AAA, AA, C, D, 9v & 6v, Lithium, Zinc-Air, Zinc-Carbon, Zinc Chloride, and button batteries labeled CR/SR/LR
• Non-Automotive and Non-Marine Lead Acid Batteries: Backup sump pump, riding lawn mower, and small sealed lead acid batteries
• Rechargeable Batteries: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
• Damaged or Defective Batteries: Stinky, swollen, or cracked

Lithium batteries can catch fire, especially when damaged. When placed in household trash and recycling bins, lithium batteries often get damaged by trash compactors and can cause fires during transportation and at waste and recycling facilities.

SWALCO offers two options for HCW disposal:

1. Year-round collection events twice a month at SWALCO's Gurnee facility (1311 N. Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031)
2. Mobile events from May through September at various Lake County locations

SWALCO's next mobile HCW collection event is on Saturday, July 19 at Lakes Community High School (1600 Eagle Way, Lake Villa, IL 60046). HCW events are free for Illinois residents, and appointments are always required. Visit the SWALCO website to schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49

SWALCO Member Spotlight

Warren Township High School O'Plaine Campus, Lake Zurich High School, and Riverside Park Clothing Collection Bins

This month, SWALCO is proud to shoutout two of our most recent Clothing and Textile program school sites: Warren Township High School and Lake Zurich High School! Warren Township introduced their clothing and textiles recycling bin (pictured left) towards the end of 2024. It is located at their O'Plaine Campus (500 N O'Plaine Road, Gurnee, IL 60031) in the North parking lot at the NW corner.

Lake Zurich High School (300 Church Street, Lake Zurich, IL 60047) introduced their bin in late winter/early spring of this year.  In addition to these two high schools, Riverside Park (870 Country Club Drive, Libertyville, IL 60048) has recently added a second bin (pictured below) to their collection program due to great popularity and participation.

We are proud of our current clothing and textile program collection sites, and we are always excited to welcome new locations into our program! Your school or park could be next! Contact your village or city to learn more. If you are a church, business, or other organization that would like to become a host site and be a part of this wonderful community effort to offer this responsible, environmental resource to your members, families, employees, congregants, etc., please contact (847) 377-4950. Are you cleaning out your summer wardrobe? SWALCO's Clothing and Textile Collection Program is the perfect way to donate and recycle your unwanted seasonal items. We accept beach towels, swimsuits, coverups, shorts, tank tops, sleepwear, loungewear, and much more—even worn, torn, and stained items. Find a drop-off location near you at swalco.org.

Commonly Asked Question

How Do I Safely Dispose of Fireworks?

All types of fireworks, used and unused, can be dangerous for you, waste haulers, and the environment. An errant spark could ignite them. If you have used or unused fireworks, duds, novelty effects, or sparklers, it is always best to waterlog them before throwing them away. Here is what you should do with unwanted pyrotechnics:

1. Fill a large container with enough water to fully submerge the pyrotechnics in the container (a large bucket or trash can is recommended).
2. Submerge the pyrotechnics in the container of water. If items contain easily removable plastic caps, remove them to allow for easier saturation. Let them soak in the water overnight.
3. The next day, remove the pyrotechnics from the water and pour the excess water into a toilet, flushing several times as needed.
4. Place the waterlogged pyrotechnics into a plastic bag and put them in your regular trash collection cart. Never place pyrotechnics in your recycling cart.

Please note: Although fireworks can be purchased in neighboring states, most consumer fireworks are illegal in Illinois. SWALCO supports Illinois law. The above information is for proper management of materials you may encounter within and outside of Illinois.

Recycling Events in Wauconda and Hainesville

On July 12, Wauconda Township and SWALCO will be hosting the 13th Annual Recycling Extravaganza at the Wauconda Township Offices (505 W Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084) from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. We will be collecting a variety of household items for donation and recycling. Residents can also bring their confidential documents for shredding. For a detailed list of accepted items, see the flyer. Furniture, paint, gas, and light bulbs will not be accepted. For more information, call (847) 526-2631.

Hainesville, in collaboration with SWALCO, Senator Mary Edly-Allen, and Representative Laura Faver Dias, will be hosting a Reuse-O-Rama on Saturday, July 19 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Hainesville Village Hall (100 Hainesville Road, Hainesville, IL 60030). This event will also collect a variety of household items for donation and recycling and provide confidential documents shredding for residents. See flyer for more details.

Adding Fall Color to Your Garden | Garden Learning Series 2025

Learn to tap the beauty of late summer and fall with plants that add color and habitat to your yard! The Lake County Extension Master Gardeners will cover annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs to consider. Register for session 6, "Adding Fall Color to Your Garden," using this link: https://go.aces.illinois.edu/fallcolor2025 This year, there will be 11 presentations in total - one a month from February through December 2025.  All are free and virtual, and will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 pm. Registration is required, and you must register for each session you wish to attend. Registration closes 11:59 pm the Tuesday before each presentation. Presentations will not be recorded, but the Zoom link and handouts will be mailed before 2 pm the day of the program.

Upcoming July Events

July 12: HCW Drop-Off SWALCO Gurnee Facility 1311 Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031 Schedule your appointment today! July 12: Wauconda Recycling Extravaganza Wauconda Township Office 505 W Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM July 19: HCW Mobile Event Lake Villa Township Lakes Community High School 1600 Eagle Way, Lake Villa, IL 60046 Schedule your appointment today! July 19: Reuse-O-Rama Hainesville Hainesville Village Hall 100 Hainesville Road, Hainesville, IL 60030 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM July 23: Special Collections Event SWALCO Gurnee Facility 1311 Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031 Schedule your appointment today! July 26: HCW Drop-Off SWALCO Gurnee Facility 1311 Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031 Schedule your appointment today!

To learn about these programs and more, visit swalco.org. 

Check with your community for more events and opportunities.

THANK YOU!

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!