West Cook News

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the launch of the Cook County Municipal Recycling Grant Program. The first beneficiaries are the south suburban Villages of Posen, Phoenix, and Dixmoor. This initiative, created by the Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) in collaboration with The Recycling Partnership, aims to fund waste diversion projects like curbside recycling services.

The DES selected these villages based on moderate to high environmental justice index scores from CDC data, lack of curbside recycling programs, and financial challenges. "Cook County is working hard to advance equity for all residents because we believe supportive, accessible services result in thriving communities," said President Preckwinkle. The program will impact nearly 3,000 households.

The grant program supports the Recycling, Composting and Circular Economy Solutions (RCCES) initiative established by DES in late 2022. RCCES focuses on building municipal capacity for various waste management strategies within suburban Cook County.

Currently, Cook County's recycling rate is at 13%, with twelve municipalities lacking curbside recycling services. Efforts continue to expand the grant program for broader support. Funding includes $523,345.88 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $333,421.25 from the Cook County Equity Fund, and a $161,000 grant from The Recycling Partnership.

"We are honored to partner with Cook County on this program," said Rob Taylor of The Recycling Partnership. Republic Services will manage recycling collection for these communities.

Mayors from Posen, Dixmoor, and Phoenix expressed gratitude for this support: "Without the Cook County assistance our Village would have been left behind," stated Mayor Frank Podbielniak of Posen.

Additionally, a Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM Center) has opened at South Suburban College in South Holland for county residents' use at no cost.

For further information or contributions to support these initiatives through grants or donations contact DES at wasteandrecycling@cookcountyil.gov.