Kane County plans battery recycling program in partnership with Call 2 Recycle

The Kane County Energy & Environmental Committee convened on June 13, 2025, to discuss recent recycling initiatives and upcoming programs aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability in the region.

The meeting began with an update on the recent shredding and recycling collection event held at the Circuit Clerk's Building. Approximately 725 vehicles participated, reflecting consistent community engagement in recycling efforts. The event was noted for its positive turnout and favorable weather conditions. Additionally, a pop-up recycling event in partnership with the Village of North Aurora attracted around 150 cars, resulting in two box trucks filled with recyclable materials.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on battery recycling initiatives. A representative shared insights from meetings with Call 2 Recycle, a nonprofit organization that manages battery recycling programs funded by manufacturers. This initiative is set to launch on January 1, 2026, following the passage of the Battery Stewardship Act. The program will provide free recycling for consumer batteries, excluding car batteries, across Illinois. This marks a notable expansion, as Illinois will be the largest state to implement such a comprehensive battery recycling program, following Vermont.

The representative expressed both excitement and concern regarding the program's scale, highlighting the challenges of managing battery recycling for a population significantly larger than Vermont's. Efforts are underway to connect Call 2 Recycle with Elgin Township, which has been recognized for its successful battery recycling program, having processed 22,000 pounds of batteries in the previous year. The committee aims to explore potential state grant funding to pilot the new battery recycling program in Elgin Township and at the Fabian Recycling Site.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among local entities to enhance recycling efforts in Kane County. The committee remains focused on advancing environmental sustainability through innovative recycling solutions.