Reduce Waste

Oak Park Village Organics Composting Program.

River Forest Curbside Composting Program.

Backyard Composting:  The Do’s and Don’ts of Backyard Composting.

Reduce waste at Farmers’ Markets: Toolkit for vendors and tips for customers.

Stop junk mail: Add your address to the “Do Not Mail” list.

Use rechargeable batteries or use these ideas to prevent battery waste.

Clear off your bookshelves: The Oak Park Public Library accepts donations all year round for sale at its annual book fair.

For sensitive papers and documents the Village of Oak Park hosts periodic “shredding” drop off events.

Printer ink cartridges can be refilled and reused: This “wikihow” site shows you how – with pictures!

Give away items you no longer need or use: Join a local “Freecycle” group.

Toss it? No way! Learn how to fix those broken household items at the Oak Park Repair Cafe.

Consider donating items to the Economy Shop in Oak Park, a 100 year old “thrift store and more.”

Renovating? Local Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept used building supplies and materials.

Oak Park Village Resource & Recycling.

River Forest Refuse and Recycling FAQs.

Illinois EPA’s waste disposal guidelines here:  Some tips on recycling challenging items such as appliances, paint, and household chemicals.

Earth911:  http://earth911.com/recycling or call 1-800-CLEANUP.

West Cook County Solid Waste Agency Municipal Drop-Off Centers for Electronic Waste.