Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waste Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northbrook to begin year‑round curbside composting in May; carts to arrive in April
Summary
The village announced a year‑round curbside composting program starting May 7. Households will receive 35‑gallon carts with yellow lids, weekly collection in warm months and every other week in winter; BPI‑certified compostable bags accepted.
Village officials told residents that Northbrook will begin year‑round curbside composting in May, with cart delivery in April and the first pickup scheduled for Wednesday, May 7.
Kate, the village sustainability coordinator, told the board the program will use a 35‑gallon cart with a yellow lid and that the carts will include printed instructions about acceptable materials. Collections will be weekly during the warmer months and every other week during winter. The village said BPI‑certified compostable bags are acceptable in the carts and that the receiving compost facility can process those bags.
The village framed composting as both a climate and fiscal measure: diverting organic material from landfill reduces methane emissions and can lower the cost pressures associated with waste disposal. Staff said the program aligns with the village’s climate action plan and noted neighboring jurisdictions have adopted similar services.
An Earth Day recycling event was announced for April 26 at the Metra station; staff also said project details and mailing inserts will be posted on the village website.
Why it matters: Curbside composting reduces materials sent to landfill, can improve soil health through compost reuse and is intended to reduce waste‑management costs over time. The program’s operational details — cart size, schedule and accepted materials — were provided at the meeting so residents know how to prepare for the new service.
Clarifying details: Cart size — 35 gallons with yellow lid; first collection — May 7; schedule — weekly in warm months, every other week in winter; BPI‑certified compostable bags accepted.
