DuPage County details expansion of repair fairs, reuse programs and collection events

Kaye, a county program staffer, gave a comprehensive update on DuPage County recycling and reuse programs and the county's efforts to reduce waste and increase reuse. Kaye said the county contract covering direct services begins Nov. 30/Dec. 1 and reported service counts including 31 businesses, 76 schools and nine libraries across 36 DuPage communities.

Kaye described growing repair fairs that returned multiple events in 2025–2026, reporting 165 total repairs at recent events and noting the value of sharpening and small-item repairs to keep goods out of landfills. She said pumpkin-smash sites expanded from 26 to 31 year over year and that new cookie-and-oil and holiday-light drop-off locations have been added in West Chicago and other communities.

The presentation highlighted municipal event turnout, citing Downers Grove with 774 cars at a recent collection, and reuse outcomes such as 66 bikes and 88 musical instruments distributed to schools, supported in part by grant funds for repairs. Kaye also described a paint-care pilot with Addison Township and outreach to Glen Ellyn for additional collection sites.

Kaye noted partner and volunteer roles across the county and said the program is increasing lender-style reuse offerings (dishes, party wares) and medical-equipment reuse in Winfield Township and Addison Township. She emphasized partnerships with municipalities and local environmental commissions to expand collection access and reduce resident travel to central sites.

Committee members commended the program's scale and community impact. The county did not present new budget appropriations at the meeting; the update focused on operational counts, partnerships and program expansion plans.

The committee did not take formal action beyond public appreciation and moved on to other agenda items.