The Waukegan Park District is partnering with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) and the City of Waukegan to host a Community Recycling Event on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10am to 1pm at the Park Maintenance Facility, located at 2211 Ernie Krueger Circle. Confidential document shredding will also be available. For more information, contact Lali Salinas at lsalinas@waukeganparks.org or 847-360-4725.

Collected items will be reused, recycled, or donated. The following items will be accepted, with some exceptions,

• Batteries: Household batteries only. No broken or damaged batteries (including alkaline, cellphone and rechargeable batteries.)
  • Will be recycled through Circa Solutions.
• Belts, Scarves, Hats, Purses, Duffle Bags, & Backpacks
  • Items will be recycled through SWALCO Program.
• Bicycles
  • Will donate to Catholic Charities.
• Books: New or gently used books.
  • Will be utilized for Free Little Libraries located in Waukegan Park District parks.
• Bulbs: (including fluorescent bulbs/tubes, LED & CFL)
  • Will be recycled with Goodman Electric.

• Bed & Table Linens, and Towels: Including sheets, comforters, quilts, blankets, tablecloths, etc.
  • Items will be recycled through SWALCO’s Clothing and Textile Program.
• Canned Goods:Accepting non-expired sealed canned goods.
  • Will be donated to COOL Food Pantry.
• Clothing and Textiles: New, gently used or worn (all sizes, fabrics, types) items will be reused & allow us to recycle worn items received. Includes pet clothing. Bring bagged. No rugs, pillows, cushions, or fabric scraps will be accepted. A complete list is available Clothing & Textile Collection Program | Lake County SWALCO, IL.
  • Items will be recycled through SWALCO’s Clothing and Textile Program.
• Confidential Document Shredding: A limit of four (4) copy and print paper-sized boxes per vehicle.
  • Services provided by PaperTiger.
• Diapers and Wipes: Accepting new diaper and wipes packages.
  • Will be donated to Keeping Families Together.
• Electronics: Not all electronics will be accepted. A complete list is available here.
  • Items will be recycled through the City of Waukegan – Public Works electronic recycling program.
• Eyeglasses, Hearing Aids, and Keys
  • Items will be donated to the Lions Club.
• Musical Instruments: No guitars, drums, or keyboards will be accepted.
  • Donating to the Jack Benny Center for the Arts.
• Paint: Accepting latex and oil base. Bring each type of paint in separate containers.
  • Items will be donated to Earth Paint to benefit their program.
• Plastic Film: All plastic must be clean, dry and free of food residue (including grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, Ziploc & other reclosable food storage bags, cereal bags, bottled drink case overwrap, salt bags, pallet wrap & stretch film, wood pellet bags, & produce bags.)
  • Recycling through NexTrex bench challenge.
• Shoes: All types of footwear will be accepted. Please tie pairs together w/laces; if no laces, rubber band or zip-tie. No moldy, wet, or sole-less shoes will be accepted. No rollerblades or ice skates will be accepted.
  • Recycling through SWALCO’S RE-USE A SHOE Program.
• Sporting Equipment: In good, working condition, under 25 lbs and clean (including bats, baseball gloves, basketballs & other balls, racquets, golf clubs, handheld weights, skates & skateboards, bocce & croquet sets, bike helmets.) No broken, heavy/bulky items, skis, exercise machines, etc.
  • Donated to The Sports Shed program.
• Stuffed and Plush Animals
  • Items will be recycled through SWALCO’s Clothing and Textile Program.

The Waukegan Park District is committed to being an environmental leader in the community with sound environmental policies, practices, and educational opportunities.