Recycling Information
Questions about recycling options at condominium buildings have become more and more frequent over time. There are significant differences among both the items collected and the manner in which these are separated out of the waste stream. We see some buildings utilizing the "blue bag system" where residents simply place their recyclables into a blue plastic bag and toss it down the garbage chute. We're often uncertain what really happens to these bags. Do they end up in the landfill or the recycling center? This blue bag system is often seen supplemented (or replaced altogether) with separate bins (either on each floor or on the ground floor) so that residents can separate their glass from their paper and metal.
Regardless of the collection method used, residents get conflicting messages about what can be recycled. Some believe that all colors of glass are acceptable for recycling. Others believe only clear glass makes the grade. Some believe that all manner of paper, from newsprint to glossy coffee cups can be recycled. Others think that coated papers are not acceptable for recycling. Many times the guidance provided by management is just not detailed enough to allow for informed choices. Other than the periodic one-page flyer posted on the bulletin board, there seems to be no authoritative source on recycling. By default, the items collected and the manner of collection can be as varied as the different buildings which set forth to recycle.
With the introduction of the city dumpster tax, these issues of recycling have become even more important. The dumpster tax is levied only on garbage dumpsters, not recycling. Indeed, the annual dumpster tax amounts to $492 dollars per typical high-rise container of greater than ten yards. If you can replace just one large container with a recycling container instead, that's nearly $500 in savings. Here's a link to a short article in the Chicago Reader about the dumpster tax.
Click For Chicago Reader Article
On the links that follow, we hope to provide better information for condominium board leadership to share with their residents. By educating ourselves in both the process and the right materials to collect we can be more efficient in our disposal of both refuse and recyclables.
Informational Links
Illinois Recycling Association Link
Vendor Links
- Vendor 1
- Vendor 2