 February 2, 2026
Greetings, SWALCO fans!
Welcome to The SWALCO Scoop, our monthly electronic newsletter. This month, we're announcing an update to our Special Material Collection events! Is your group looking to participate in a no-cost sustainability project? Sign up now to start collecting for SWALCO's Reuse-A-Shoe program.
 SWALCO is updating its list of accepted materials for Special Material Collection events!
Fire extinguishers, single-use propane cylinders, and smoke/CO detectors are not accepted at Household Chemical Waste (HCW) events because they are non-regulated waste. Our Special Material Collection events ensure the proper handling and disposal of these particular items for a fee. Fees cover the cost of handling, storing, recycling, and reusing these special materials. We only accept credit and debit card payments at these events. Household batteries are also accepted at Special Material Collection and HCW events at no cost.
These events are available by appointment only and will take place on one Wednesday every other month for residential waste only. Our first Special Material Collection event of 2026 will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Although latex paint is no longer accepted at Special Material Collection events, it will be collected at SWALCO HCW events at no cost. Visit our Household Chemical Waste accepted items webpage to learn about our HCW collection program. This month, SWALCO will host Gurnee drop-off events on February 21 and February 28. These events are free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49
Can't make it to an HCW event? PaintCare offers free drop-off locations throughout Illinois where the public can take leftover paint for recycling. Find a drop-off location near you today!
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 Battery Network, formerly known as 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 batterynetwork.org/illinois. 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 February 21 and February 28. 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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Participate in SWALCO's Reuse-A-Shoe Program!
Municipality and governmental organizations and agencies, workplaces, offices, libraries, schools, park districts, scouts, families, neighborhoods, and other community groups have all participated in SWALCO's Reuse-A-Shoe program!
Taking part in Reuse-A-Shoe as an organization creates opportunities for outreach and team-building, benefits the local community, and has a greater global impact. Each year in the US, 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away, taking 30-40 years to decompose. This program diverts tons of materials from our landfills.
SWALCO has what you need to get started! There is no maximum number of shoes you need to collect. Your group can participate for a week, a month, or longer. You also have the option to become a year-round collection site. SWALCO can provide some materials, supplies, and resources to help you organize, while supplies last. Scouts can earn Reuse-A-Shoe badges, and there's also an opportunity to win cool, eco-friendly prizes.
Ready to make a difference? Email mrampale@swalco.org or call (847) 377-4950 to find out how you can take part in this great effort!
You Can Compost Chocolates and Flowers!
Show the planet some love this Valentine's Day by composting leftover chocolates and wilted flowers!
Many chocolates (without wrappers) and natural flowers are compostable, as well as other Valentine's desserts such as strawberries and cake. Composting these materials ensures they will break down into nutrient-rich soil instead of ending up in a landfill. Be sure to remove any plastic, ribbons, or synthetic decorations before composting. When backyard composting, break your chocolate down into pieces and bury it low in your pile.
Residents of Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Port Barrington, and Avon Township have year-round yard waste and food scrap collection. Residents without year-round food scrap collection can drop off their food scraps at the Grayslake Recycling Center (585 Berry Avenue, Grayslake, IL) or the LRS Recycling Center (1350 N Old Rand Road, Wauconda, IL). If these options are not available, consider composting at home.
Celebrate sustainably and let your Valentine's treats give back to the earth!
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On February 11, learn some timely tips from the Master Gardeners on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden. Basic requirements, including time, light, growing medium, water, and attention, will be shared, as well as suggested plants to start from seed. Seed starting is not limited to vegetables. Annuals and perennials can also be started to get a jump on the growing season.
Register for session 1, "Seed Starting for Your Garden," using this link: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/2026-garden-learning-series-seed-starting-for-your-garden
Presentations are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. 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.
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February 11: Garden Learning Series
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February 21: HCW Drop-Off
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February 28: 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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