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Committee schedules sign-recycling event, hears community outreach updates and discusses ‘flushable wipes’ education
Summary
The DuPage County Environmental Committee set sign-recycling dates (March 20–21) and heard public and staff updates on school tours, paint and well-water collection, scholarships and the need for public education about flushable wipes that harm wastewater operations.
The DuPage County Environmental Committee on March 3 approved minutes from its Feb. 3 meeting, heard public-comment updates about school tours and recycling programs, and received staff details for an upcoming sign-recycling event.
During public comment, Kate McKeen described recent teacher-and-student tours of DuPage County green infrastructure (including the DuPage Water Commission green roof) and noted several community programs: the 20th-anniversary design challenge (13 teams signed so far), municipal recycling events in Lisle and Downers Grove, and advice for churches and organizations to collect used cooking oil for proper disposal. McKeen also reported a recent efficient paint collection through SCARCE using two bins and encouraged volunteer involvement for a possible Lombard recycling extravaganza revival.
Staff member Joy announced a county sign-recycling event on March 20 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and March 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the south parking lot. The committee discussed date constraints (conflicts with a sheriff parking event, spring break and Easter) and agreed to repeat the program in the fall for residents who cannot attend the spring dates. Joy asked the committee to remove metal stakes from corrugated yard signs before drop-off.
The committee also reviewed other public services the district and partners offer: well-water testing kits available at the county office and farm-bureau pickup locations, native-plant and tree sales (plant availability timed for late May), and scholarship opportunities for students pursuing natural-resources careers.
Committee members raised public-education needs about so‑called “flushable” wipes. Members noted these products commonly cause problems at wastewater treatment plants and often end up being landfilled after removal from screens and pumps. The committee agreed to explore collaborative outreach with wastewater agencies and partner organizations to inform residents that products labeled “flushable” can still cause operational and cost impacts for treatment facilities.
The meeting adjourned without objection.
