Donate and Recycle Drop-Off Event Recap

Donate and Recycle Drop-Off Event Recap

 The volunteer members of the Glencoe Sustainability Task Force would like to thank all who donated and recycled goods at the Second Annual Donate and Recycle Drop-Off Event on October 10.  The Task Force estimates that over 320 cars passed through the 2020 event. The Epilepsy Foundation collected 4,500 pounds of clothing and housewares while Working Bikes received 52 bicycles. Additionally, tons of electronic waste, construction material and scrap metal were collected for recycling and reuse. The volunteer event gave clothing, household goods, bikes, and construction materials a second life while diverting reusable and recyclable materials from the landfill.

To be honest, the event turnout was much greater than the Task Force anticipated. As a result, some would-be participants had to be turned away because two stations, the electronics recycling and Epilepsy Foundation, quickly reached capacity (and then some). Based on the previous year’s excess, the 2020 event was prepared to handle twice the amount of electronic waste, but eventually the electronic recycling station’s drop-offs were overflowing. When compared to the 2019 event, the Epilepsy Foundation doubled the number of items collected within the first hour the event. The Task Force, with the assistance of the Village Public Works Department, worked to load all the excess clothing and household donations to take to Goodwill donation centers in their own personal vehicles as well as Public Works vehicles. The Task Forces sincerely apologizes for the residents that were not accommodated, as the Task Force did not foresee this level of participation from the community for this event. If you were not able to donate your household items or clothing for donation, the Epilepsy Foundation offers a pickup service. You may also recycle your electronics by making an appointment for the Village Electronic Recycling Drop-Off Program, every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. (all year round).

 The Task Force has taken note of the lessons learned and will adjust to improve the event for next year. The goal is to increase capacity to ensure that all participants will be accommodated as well as to improve messaging for accepted items. In the meantime, please feel free to direct the Sustainability Task Force Liaison Megan Olson for  feedback or questions at molson@villageofglencoe.org.  The Sustainability Task Force’s monthly meetings (every third Tuesday of the month) are open to the public, normally in person, but currently via Zoom.

 Submitted by the Glencoe Sustainability Task Force