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January 7, 2026
Greetings, SWALCO fans!
Welcome to The SWALCO Scoop, our monthly electronic newsletter. As we kick off a new year, we'd like to thank you for your continued support of SWALCO and our mission! Your engagement, participation, and commitment to proper waste disposal protects our environment and keeps our communities clean.
This month, we're covering paper and plastic cup recycling and spotlighting new Illinois laws that will change how you dispose of your batteries and fluorescent lights.
We’re closing the loop with paper and plastic cup recycling!
Lake County residents can add clean and empty paper and plastic cups loose in recycling carts.
Remember:
- Empty the liquids
- Throw the lid, straws, and stirrers in the trash
- Remove the cardboard sleeve from the cup and place it separately in your recycling bin
Beginning January 1, 2026, all single-use and most rechargeable batteries will be accepted at retail and government locations throughout the state, thanks to the Illinois Battery Stewardship Law. The non-profit organization Call2Recycle has been working to establish a network of collection sites to meet the requirements of the new law. To find a location near you, visit www.Call2Recycle.org. As some retailers continue to adjust to the new regulations, please call locations before visiting to confirm they will accept your battery type.
The following batteries are accepted at SWALCO's household chemical waste (HCW) collection events:
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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
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Non-Automotive and Non-Marine Lead Acid Batteries: Backup sump pump, riding lawn mower, and small sealed lead acid batteries
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Rechargeable Batteries: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
This month, SWALCO will host Gurnee drop-off events on January 17 and January 31. These events are free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49
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This year, we have a fantastic variety of topics being presented by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and Educators, along with educators and ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO).
Presentations are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, starting in February 2026. All sessions are free, virtual, and held on Zoom; they are not recorded.
Registration closes on the Tuesday before each session at 11:59 PM. Zoom link, slides, and handouts will be emailed to registrants by 2:00 PM the day of the presentation--check all your email folders, including spam.
More information to come; we cannot wait to see you at the 2026 Extension Garden Learning Series!
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How to Safely Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs and CFLs
Illinois passed the Clean Lighting Act (Public Act 103-0799), which phases out fluorescent bulbs due to their mercury content. The act bans screw/bayonet CFLs by January 1, 2026, and all other CFLs/linear fluorescents by January 1, 2027, with exceptions for medical, research, and older vehicle uses. This effort promotes energy-efficient LEDs and reduces mercury pollution from improper disposal.
Key Dates:
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January 1, 2026: Ban on screw-base and bayonet-base Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
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January 1, 2027: Ban extends to pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent tubes (like T8s and T12s)
Why the Ban?
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Mercury Content: Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a toxin that pollutes air, soil, and water when bulbs are broken or landfilled
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Environmental Protection: The law aims to prevent this pollution, as most fluorescent bulbs are currently disposed of improperly
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Energy Efficiency: LEDs are more energy-efficient, last longer, and offer cost savings on utility bills
Exceptions:
- Medical and veterinary uses
- Academic research
- Motor vehicles manufactured before 2020 (for headlights)
What You Can Do:
- Switch to LED lighting now to avoid future unavailability and benefit from energy savings
- Properly dispose of old CFLs and fluorescent bulbs at SWALCO's household chemical waste (HCW) events or retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, or Batteries Plus, rather than landfills. This month, SWALCO will host Gurnee drop-off events on January 17 and January 31. These events are free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49
Join us in Highland Park for a Reuse-A-Shoe Drive-Thru Drop Off as part of Highland Park's 17th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service!
The event will take place on Monday, January 19, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Highland Park Senior Center (1201 Park Avenue West). Please use the east entrance and follow signs to the outdoor drop-off site.
What type of shoes are accepted?
Most shoes of any size, any brand, and any kind (including hiking boots, dress boots, & rain boots) are accepted. Shoes can be new, gently used, or worn. Even shoes with stains or holes will be accepted.
What type of shoes are not accepted?
Roller blades, ice skates, and winter boots will not be accepted. Shoes that are wet, moldy, without soles, or shoes that are falling apart will not be accepted.
How do I prepare for drop off?
Shoes should be paired, either tied together by the laces or bound by rubber bands, and bagged.
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January 17: HCW Drop-Off
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January 19: Reuse-A-Shoe Drive-Thru
- 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Highland Park Senior Center, East Entrance
- 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, IL 60035
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January 31: HCW Drop-Off
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 the latest news, updates, and events. Together, we can make a difference!
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