Village Offers New Plastic Bag Recycling, 'Share A Bag' Programs

NORTHBROOK, IL — The Village of Northbrook offers two free new programs to encourage residents to reduce their use of single-use bags and responsibly dispose of the plastic bags they may have. Beginning Monday, November 18, plastic bag recycling will be available at Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane), the Police Department (1401 Landwehr Road) and the Public Works Center (655 Huehl Road). “Share a bag” receptacles will be available at Village Hall and the Public Works Center only.

The plastic bag recycling receptacle will accept low density and high density polyethylene films such as plastic shopping bags, newspaper sleeves, plastic wrap packaging, bread bags, shrink wrap, and plastic pouches. These materials are collected and shipped to Trex Composite Decking, which repurposes them into durable outdoor furniture.

The “share a bag” receptacle will allow residents to drop off their extra, clean reusable shopping bags and pick up news ones if they are in need. This “sharing” system allows for waste reduction through promoting the use of reusable bags and making them easily accessible.

*Receptacles are available to the public during office hours: Village Hall (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), the Public Works Center (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday), and 24 hours a day at the Police Station.

Both programs were initiated following review and recommendation by the Village’s Environmental Quality Commission. The Commission recommended implementing these programs so that plastic bags are less likely to contaminate ongoing recycling efforts and are diverted from accumulation in landfills. By providing responsible disposal and offering alternatives to single-use bags, the Commission seeks to reduce the amount of plastic bags utilized in the Village. In addition to implementing these programs, the Village also purchased and began distributing 500 reusable bags in July to help promote the use of reusable bags.

“The Village has recognized this program to be a simple and effective way to divert waste from landfills and involve our residents in environmental initiatives,” said Americorps Greenest Region Compact Member Charmaine John. John will be responsible for administering these programs for the Village.

For more information on these programs and other recycling opportunities, visit the Village’s website at www.northbrook.il.us/PlasticBa... Residents with questions may contact the Public Works Department at 847-272-4711.

This press release was produced by the Village of Northbrook. The views are the author's own.