The SWALCO Scoop
September 12, 2025
Greetings, SWALCO fans!
Welcome to The SWALCO Scoop, our monthly electronic newsletter. This month, we're hosting our final mobile event of the year! We'll also review updates to the Grayslake Recycling Center accepted materials list and ways to dispose of polystyrene (Styrofoam).
On September 20, SWALCO will be hosting a mobile household chemical waste (HCW) collection event at the Lake Forest Municipal Services parking lot (800 N Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045). 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
Can't make it to the Lake Forest event? During the month of October, SWALCO will host three Gurnee drop-off events on October 11, 18, and 25. These events are free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49
Starting October 1, 2025, the Village of Grayslake Recycling Center will no longer accept cardboard boxes, mixed paper, plastic containers, aluminum cans, steel cans, and glass bottles and jars.
The Village of Grayslake will switch its waste collection provider from WM to Groot, beginning October 1, 2025. As a result, the Village of Grayslake Recycling Center will no longer accept drop-offs of cardboard boxes, mixed paper, plastic containers, aluminum cans, steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. They will continue to collect and recycle electronics, food scraps, clothing, and textiles.
Groot will provide residents of Grayslake with weekly at-home recycling pickups. Groot also offers a free or low-cost recycling service for all Grayslake businesses.
For more information about the changes at the Village of Grayslake Recycling Center, contact the Village of Grayslake at (847) 223-8515 or visit their website at www.villageofgrayslake.com/groot
For information about waste and recycling services for Village of Grayslake homes or businesses, call Groot at (847) 693-2700 or visit their website at www.groot.com
Polystrene Foam Plastic Packaging (Styrofoam)
Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, is often shaped into cups, trays, egg cartons, takeout containers, packing peanuts, and various-sized blocks for packaging purposes. Real polystyrene foam is sometimes labeled PS #6 and will always crack or break when bent.
Polystyrene foam is generally inert when used for its intended purposes. It is not prohibited from disposal and can be discarded with your regular trash. Do not include it in your recycling.
There are several recycling options available for individuals who prefer not to dispose of polystyrene in the trash.
As of September 2025, the following polystyrene foam collection sites are available and will accept most types of expanded polystyrene products. They will not accept colored construction insulation or "spongy" foam, like pool noodles.
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City of Highland Park Recycling Center
- 1180 Half Day Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
- Open every Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and every first Saturday of the month from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- No packing peanuts accepted
- Highland Park Polystyrene Flyer
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Village of Lake Zurich Styrofoam Collection Point
- American Legion Hall Parking Lot
- 51 Lions Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
- Open Tuesdays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Also open the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM all summer, from May through October
- No packing peanuts accepted
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Abt Electronics
- 1200 N Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025
- Open Monday through Sunday during regular store hours
- White foam only, no food containers accepted
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Algonquin Township Highway Department
- 3702 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
- Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Use the What Goes Where tool in Recycle Coach to learn more.
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Are you an educator interested in bringing environmental messages to your students or youth group? SWALCO can provide a range of resources, programs, and support to schools, educators, scout leaders, and those working with youth. We are committed to helping Lake County educators meet Illinois Learning Standards while providing fun, hands-on learning experiences.
For more information, please contact SWALCO’s Programs and Education Director, Merleanne Rampale, at mrampale@swalco.org, or call (847) 377-4950. Merleanne will be happy to share ideas and expand or introduce sustainability efforts to your school.
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September 20: HCW Mobile Event, Lake Forest
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September 20: Reuse-O-Rama, Fremont Township
- Fremont Township Campus
- 22376 Erhart Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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September 20: Community Recycling Event
- Waukegan Park Maintenance Facility
- 2211 Ernie Krueger Circle, Waukegan, IL 60085
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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September 24: Fee-Based Special Material Collection
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September 27: Reuse-O-Rama Riverwoods
- Riverwoods Village Hall
- 300 Portwine Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
To learn 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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