Northfield Township Road District Launches Plastic Bag Recycling

The Northfield Township Road District announced the launch of a plastic bag recycling program at its Northbrook-based recycling center, which opens on March 31 for the 2025 season. Currently, plastic bags are not accepted in the Township’s recycling carts or dumpsters.

“This is a win-win for our community and our environment,” said Tim Rueckert, Northfield Township Road District Highway Commissioner. “We’re utilizing our recycling compactor and have partnered with a manufacturing company to have the compacted bags picked up and repurposed.” The Road District has partnered with manufacturer Nextrex to have the compacted bags recycled into sustainable outdoor products, including composite decks and railings.

Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose. Recycling plastic bags helps reduce the volume of plastic waste sent to landfills, keeps plastics out of the oceans, protects drinking water, and minimizes the entry of microplastics into the environment, which can harm wildlife.

“With our residents at the heart of this initiative, we are transforming excess into opportunity,” added Rueckert. “This program not only tackles waste but also represents the power of collective action for a greener, brighter future.”

In addition to its new plastic bag recycling program, the Northfield Township Road District will open its facility for daily 2025 recyclable drop-offs for Township residents starting Monday, March 31, 2025. The Road District’s garage, located at 237 Melvin Drive in Northbrook, accepts recyclable materials Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm through October 31, 2025 when the recycling facility closes for the winter months.

The Road District accepts a variety of items for charitable reuse or responsible recycling, which are listed in detail on the Road District’s website.

About the Northfield Township Road District

Located in northern Cook County, Northfield Township represents nearly 91,565 people. Under Highway Commissioner Tim Rueckert's leadership, the Road District provides efficient and economical services for residents in the unincorporated areas of Glenview, Northbrook, and Northfield. Working together in a cooperative and professional manner with neighbors, Cook County, the State of Illinois, and the surrounding villages, problems are identified, and practical, cost-effective solutions are developed utilizing the resources at hand. The Road District is located at 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook. For more information visit Northfield Township Road District https://www.northfieldtownship.com/road-district.html or call 847-724-7055.