Sente Announces Annual Recycle-O-Rama; Electronics Recycling Bill Advances to Governor

Vernon Hills, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Sente, D-Vernon Hills, is announcing that she will co-host a community Recycle-O-Rama and Shred Day event on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the southwest parking lot of Westfield Hawthorn Mall.

"As Vice-Chair of the House Environment Committee and an avid recycler, I recognize the importance of providing residents with a variety of opportunities to help make sustainable living a part of their everyday lives," Sente said. "These annual events serve as an opportunity for residents to responsibly dispose of any unwanted electronics or personally identifiable information that may have accumulated over the past year."

During the Recycle-O-Rama, volunteers will help remove items to be recycled or shredded from participants' cars. While the primary focus of the event is electronics recycling and paper shredding, a variety of other items, such as batteries, ink cartridges, gym shoes, and even eyeglasses will also be accepted. This free event is co-sponsored by Sente, the Vernon Hills Park District, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), and Westfield Hawthorn Mall.

"Being responsible stewards of our environment is important to me and in a continued effort to further promote recycling in our state and community, I introduced House Bill 4227. This measure will help to streamline electronics recycling and increase the likelihood that potentially hazardous material will not end up in our landfills," Sente said. "By removing unnecessary red-tape that places burdensome regulations on the collection of various materials, I am hopeful that we can encourage growth in this important recycling industry and increase recycling opportunities throughout our community.”

House Bill 4227 passed unanimously out of the Senate on Tuesday and now will advance to the governor to await further action. This legislation reduces the number of categories Illinois electronics processors must sort and report, putting Illinois in line with other states that have similar electronics waste legislation. It is estimated that this measure, which is supported by both the environmental and business community, could save processors as much as $0.01 per pound or $420,000 a year statewide.

For more information, please contact Sente’s full-time constituent service office at (847) 478-9909, or email RepSente@gmail.com.