​County Recycling Event​s
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Upcoming 2026 Event List

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct 27 - Nov 12, *BONUS* Pop-ups, 703 E. Fabyan Parkway (see map and details below), electronics, clothing, textiles, shoes, & apparel, books and paper

Nov 4 - 15, post-midterms campaign sign recycling, multiple locations (see details below)

November 7, Pumpkin Smash & Recycle, Village of South Elgin Dept. of Public Works, 1000 Bowes Rd., South Elgin, 9am – noon, pumpkins and other compostable fall decor, LED and fluorescent lamps​, batteries, ink jet cartridges (see details below)

• ​Want to see if there's another Pumpkin Smash closer to you? Full list here​.
  

December 5, "Electronics and More" pop-up, in front of Ace Hardware, 994 N. Lake St., Aurora, 9am -noon, electronics, clothing, textiles, shoes, & apparel, books and paper, batteries​​

Upcoming Event Details

Bonus Fabyan Pop-ups

Starting the last week of October, Kane County and eWorks will have pop-up recycling for electronics, clothing, shoes, apparel and home textiles, books and paper (click each link for details) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am - 2pm at 703 E. Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, just east of the normal Recycling Center (map below). Planned dates are:

• ​Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8am - 2pm
  
• Thursday, Oct. 29, 8am - 2pm
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8am - 2pm
  
• Thursday, Nov. 5, 8am - 2pm
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8am - 2pm
  
• Thursday, Nov. 12, 8am - 2pm​
  

​Attendees must enter and exit at the traffic light at Fabyan Parkway and Raddant Road (see map below). We are unable to take cardboard, aerosols, car seats, batteries or scrap metal until the Recycling Center re-opens, but check below for other options. 

There is a fee for each television and peripheral computer monitor. Screens <21" measured diagonally are $25, screens 21" and up are $35. Cash and card accepted at the pop-up. All other accepted items are free to bring.

Campaign Signs

​Starting right after the election, we will be collecting corrugated plastic (1/4 inch thick, rigid) campaign signs and metal stands at drop-offs in three locations. Please separate all signs from stands, remove all zip ties, etc. before dropping off. Please no other campaign literature (fliers, door hangers, etc.) at these sites:

• KDOT, 41W011 Burlington Rd., Campton Hills (available 24/7)
  
• Collection here ends November 12
  
• ​West Dundee Recycling Center, 900 Angle Tarn, West Dundee, behind Village Public Works Building, available M-F 7am - 3pm
  
• ​Collection here ends November 12
  
• 719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva (available 24/7)
  
• Collection here ends November 15

Pumpkin Smash & Recycle

Saturday, Nov. 7, 9am - noon at South Elgin Dept. of Public Works, 1000 Bowes Rd. ​

Free and open to all Kane County residents. Bring your carved and whole pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and corn bunches. Please see preparation instructions below.

We will also collect:

• household batteries (max. weight of 11 pounds per battery - no car/marine/large back-up batteries)
• fluorescent and LED light bulbs (max size: 4' tubes - no 6' or 8' tubes, no fixtures)
• ink jet printer cartridges (small, from home ink jet printers, no toner cartridges) 
  

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Home Services A-Z List Events Recycling Centers Recycling Guidelines ​Green Guide​​​​​​​​ Videos and Articles KCR Emailing List Solid Waste Plan Sustainability Plan Illin​ois Recycling Association​

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Fabyan Recycling Center Repaving

​​​The Recycling Center at 517 E. Fabyan Parkway will be CLOSED for roughly one month beginning on Monday, October 19, 2026​

This closure is to accommodate surface removal, regrading, new surface pouring, surface curing, and other minor improvements at the site. We anticipate reopening in mid-November​. PLEASE CHECK THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES ABOUT REOPENING.
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Tuesday/Thursday Pop-Ups

​Starting the last week of October, Kane County and eWorks will have pop-up recycling for electronics, clothing, shoes, apparel and home textiles, books and paper (click each link for details) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am - 2pm at 703 E. Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, just east of the normal Recycling Center (map below). Planned dates are:

• ​Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8am ​- 2pm
  
• Thursday, Oct. 29, 8am - 2pm
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8am - 2pm
  
• Thursday, Nov. 5, 8am - 2pm
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8am - 2pm
  
• Thursday, Nov. 12, 8am - 2pm​
  

​Attendees must enter and exit at the traffic light at Fabyan Parkway and Raddant Road (see map below). We are unable to take cardboard, aerosols, car seats, batteries or scrap metal until the Recycling Center re-opens, but check below for other options. 

There is a fee for each television and peripheral computer monitor. Screens <21" measured diagonally are $25, screens 21" and up are $35. Cash and card accepted at the pop-up. All other accepted items are free to bring.

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Alternative Drop-Off Sites During Closure

If you have recycling needs that can't wait until our Fabyan site reopens, see other options in the tri-cities to ​Aurora area below, organized by item type:​
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​​Electronics

​​​The LRS transfer station at 1N138 Linlar Dr. in Elburn accepts a limited range of electronics (see list here). Open M-F, 8:30am - 2:30pm. Limit of 7 items per visit. Appointment required;

• ​If no TV or monitor, schedule using this form.
• If bringing a TV or monitor, call 844-633-3577 to book and pre-pay. At the main menu, press # and then enter extension 10667. 
• ​​The fee for TVs and monitors less than 21" is $25, 21" - 65" is $35, and over 65" is $100. 
  

Best Buy locations (including 1876 S. Randall Rd., Geneva) ​​accept consumer electronics from residents. There is a $29.99 fee per television and computer monitor. The maximum size accepted is 31" for tube TVs (CRTs) and 50" for flat screens. See all info about item acceptance and quantity limits here.

​Waste haulers will pick electronics up curbside on normal trash collection days at an additional cost. Call your hauler for details.

Clothing, Apparel, Shoes, Textiles

​In reusable condition: donate to a local thrift store. Some local locations are listed below:

• ​Deja Vu​ (St. Vincent de Paul) 427 S. 4th St., Geneva
• Goodwill, 450 N. Randall Rd., Batavia
• Goodwill, 1543 Mesa Ln., Aurora
• Goodwill, 2750 E. Main St., St. Charles
• Salvation Army Family Store, 2067 Lincoln Hwy., St. Charles​​​
  
• Wayside Cross, 215 E. New York St., Aurora & clothing drop boxes throughout the County
  

Non-reusable condition: Most large thrift stores (especially chains like Goodwill and Salvation Army) and clothing box operators work with rag companies to recycle clothing and textiles in poor condition. Note - as a general rule, no thrift stores or clothing boxes accept pillows or fiber-filled comforters, or any cloth items that are in unsanitary condition (wet, moldy, exposed to bed bugs, etc.). These items should go in trash.

Books

​Fiction, children's​ books and current non-fiction in good condition: see "Reuse Locations in Kane County" on this page.

Out-dated non-fiction and books in poor condition: paperbacks can go into curbside recycling. Hard cover books and board books, if it truly can't wait until our site re-opens, should go in trash.​​​

Large quantities (3 cubic yards or more) may qualify for free pick-up and recycling. Call 630-208-3841.​

Other Bulk Paper

Newspaper, magazines, pamphlets, junk mail, etc. can all go into curbside recycling. Large (commercial) quantities (3+ cubic yards) may qualify for free pick-up and recycling. Call 630-208-3841.

​​​Already Shredded Paper

If it truly can't wait until our site re-opens, shredded paper should go in trash. It is not accepted in curbside recycling.

Corrugated Cardboard

​Small-to-moderate quantities can go in curbside recycling. Flatten and stack boxes that don't fit in the recycling cart and place next to the cart. 

For large quantities of moving boxes, try listing them for free on Facebook (local "buy nothing" group) or NextDoor. They can also be taken to a transfer station, but a tipping fee will apply.

Scrap Metal

Take to a scrap facility.

Loose Batteries (all types)

Take to Home Depot (2111 S. Randall Rd., Geneva; 1250 N. Orchard Rd., Aurora) or Lowes (955 S. Randall Rd., Geneva). No auto/marine batteries.​

Aerosols, Small Propane, Helium, Smoke and CO Alarms, Child-Care Items​​

Take to Flat Can Recycling, 732 Hicks Dr., Elburn. M - F, 7am - 4pm. Fees apply; call for details. 847-426-3561

Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids

Batavia Lions Club has a yellow collection bin on the sidewalk outside of 106 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Art Supplies

Donate to larger/chain thrift store (see list under clothing, above)

Ink Jet Cartridges

Will be accepted at Kane Co. Dept. of Environmental and Water Resources while site is closed. 719 S. Batavia Ave, Building E (towards back of campus, next to building C). M - F, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Can Caddies and Six-Pack Rings

Will be accepted at Kane Co. Dept. of Environmental and Water Resources while site is closed. 719 S. Batavia Ave, Building E (towards back of campus, next to building C). M - F, 8:30am - 4:30pm

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​Recycling Program ​Ne​ws & Announcements, October 2026:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

FABYAN RECYCLING CENTER TEMP CLOSURE: 

The Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center will be CLOSED starting Mon. October 19th, 2026. Reopening is anticipated mid-November. Updates a​nd​ alternative locations for recycling posted here.

​Bonus Pop-up Recycling: Kane County and eWorks will run bonus recycling pop-ups for electronics, clothing, shoes and textiles, books and paper on Tuesdays and Thursdays just east on Fabyan Parkway from the normal Recycling Center. Please see this page​ for all details.

Local Plant Pot Drop Off: The Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District is collecting plastic plant pots and seedling trays throughout October at their office (2315 Dean St., Suite 100, St. Charles). These items will be reused by local growers. Details here.

Pumpkin Smashes: ​It's spooky season, which means local governments and community groups will be collecting pumpkins for composting. Find a list of nearby Smashes here​. Most events this year are on Saturday, Nov. 7, including Kane County's Pumpkin Smash & Recycle, hosted​ at Village of South Elgin Public Works. 

Mill Creek SSA/Blackberry Township Waste Contract Renewal: ​The County-managed hauling contract has been renewed through 2031. Please use the following links for info/pricing for Mill Creek​ and for Unincorporated Blackberry Township outside of Mill Creek​

Thank You ​Recyclers ​for making both of our "Big One" events this year so successful. Both events (Feb. 28 & Aug. 29) had over 1000 cars come through, which is the most we've had at any single event since ​2018. We're looking at ways to reconfigure events for next year to keep wait times shorter. Stay tuned! 

New Opportunities to Repair: ​The Aurora Repair Cafe​ started in Spring of 2026 and offers appointments at the Santori Library in Aurora on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Attendees work closely with repair volunteers to fix up small/countertop appliances and electronics, lamps, fans, and clothes in need of mending. Click here for details and to make an appointment. Open to everyone! Also, a reminder that we have a directory of businesses that conduct repairs here.​

New Opportunities to Reduce & Reuse​:​ ​Kane County's Recycling Coordinator wrote an article on Chipko Market, the area's first "bring your own containers" grocery store for Earth Month. We also have a new page​ on the Recycling website dedicated to reduction and reuse of containers. Have ideas we should include? recycle@kanecountyil.gov​

2026 Green Guide Electronic Edition: ​The electronic edition of the 2026 Kane County Green Guide​ is now available in both English and Spanish. Paper copy distribution is ongoing.

New Illinois Battery Stewardship Program: ​The Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center and the Naperville Household Hazardous Waste​ site are both collection points for batteries under a new state program, as are several Home Depot and Lowe's locations. Please see our updated Batteries Page for more details.

New Illinois Paint Recycling Program: The statewide paint and home coatings recycling program started on December 1. There are over a​ dozen retail locations in and near Kane County now accepting paint and other coatings for recycling with no drop-off fee. Check out the details here or use the site locator here.  ​​

2026 Event Dates: ​​Dates for 2026 recycling events are posted here. Please note that details are subject to change.​

Feed The Cart! ​Kan​e County's Recycling Program is part of the team behind Feed the Cart​, the largest mass media campaign aimed at boosting curbside recycling in Illinois history. More details here!​​

Recycle Coach Demo Video: You can watch the Kane County Recycling Program Coordinator walk through the features of desktop and mobile app versions of Recycle Coach in this video demonstration​. Try the Recycle Coach tool by using the web version or download the app for free from your preferred app store.​

Coming Soon: Kane County Composts! ​The County has been awarded a USDA Composting and Food ​Waste Reduction Grant to improve food waste diversion. See the Kane County Connects announcement here​. More details coming soon!​​​​​

​ New Items Accepted at Fabyan and West Dundee: ​The County, eWorks and Flat Can Recycling are expanding their partnership to accept more "hard to recycle" items at Fabyan Parkway. These items include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, child car seats and boosters, and ride-in toy cars​ (both low-tech​ push models and battery powered self-propelled). There are recycling fees associated with these items. Please see the Recycling Centers page for more info.​

Learn About Composting with Worms: ​We have a new page on​​​​ our website introducing the Kane County Worm Bin, and walking step by step through the process of starting a worm composting system.

The Kane County Worm Bin has been eating our garbage for 15 months!​

Styrofoam Drop-off in West Dundee now 24/7: ​Chicago Logistics Service, in collaboration with Dart Container, recently obtained an outdoor receptacle which allows their existing Styrofoam drop-off to be open around the clock. It's located behind the building at 701 Wesemann Drive in West Dundee, near the loading docks​. Block #6 Styrofoam, clean foam food and beverage containers, foam coolers, and separately​ bagged packing peanuts are all accepted from the public for free​.

Nicotine Vapes Now Accepted at Naperville HHW: ​The Naperville Household Hazardous Waste Site, which is open to all state residents every Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 2pm, is now accepting nicotine-containing vape devices. These are very challenging items to dispose of, because they contain a substance that is hazardous to human health at high concentrations and lithium batteries. Looking to quit? See Kane County Health Department resources here​.

Go on a Waste Journey: ​Ever wonder where exactly your recycling, trash or yard waste goes to after it's picked up from your home or business? Check​ out our​ new Waste Journey page, featuring a map of all the different facilities that consolidate, sort, compost and store our waste.

Kane County Environmental News on Facebook: Kane County's Recycling and Environmental Program has a new Facebook page! If you are a FB user, please give us a follow! The page will be used to share announcements and news about recycling and waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainability, stormwater and water quality.​​​

Battery Awareness: ​The Kane County Recycling Coordinator recently worked with peers to develop some statewide guidance (see the  The Illinois Product Stewardship Council (ILPSC) website​ and Batteries are Everywhere Facebook page). Need to know where to recycle batteries in Kane County? Here's the scoop! Do you think you might have a "spicy pillow" (a.k.a. a damaged lithium-ion battery) on your hands? Kane County residents can r​educe fire​ risks by learning how to recognize damaged batteries, where to take them​, and how to prevent battery damage in the first place​.

New "Bits and Pieces" Self-Service Kiosk at Fabyan: We are happy to ​announce the availability of a four-bin kiosk at the Fabyan Recycling Center for small hard-to-recycle items. These items are being collected to benefit existing local organizations or programs. The items accepted at the Kiosk are: Bin 1 - ink jet cartridges​; Bin 2 - dry art and school supplies (what does that mean? glad you asked - we have a full list here​); Bin 3 - eyeglasses and hearing aids; Bin 4 - can cadd​y holders and mul​ti-beverage ring holders. Kiosk items only may be dropped off when the site is open and a​fter-hours or on weekends. All other site materials (electronics, clothing, aerosols, books, ​paper) may only be brought in during normal site hours (8am- 4pm Mon - Fri).

​New Recycling Center Guide: ​The information inside is mostly unchanged, but we gave our PDF Recycling Center Guide a redesign to improve form and function. 

Green Your Next Remodeling Project: Cons​truction or demolition debris (CDD) results from building, remodeling and demolition projects, both large and small. See our recent article in Kane County Connects for tips on how to lessen impacts and dispose of materials responsibly. Or skip straight to our new CDD page to find businesses providing CDD handling services locally.​​

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Electronics Rec​ycling for Businesses ​

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Recycling at Commercial​ Establishments

​The information in this page is for f​or-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions, including local, state and federal government offices, places of worship, and both public and private schools, which are collectively referred to here​ as commercial establishments. Commercial establishments that generate recyclable materials on site anywhere in Kane County are required by ordinance to separate recyclables and obtain collection service (Kane County Code of Ordinances, 11-112). For the purposes of the ordinance, recyclable materials include paper fiber and cardboard, metal cans, small plastic containers, and glass containers.

Do you work for or frequent a commercial establishment where recycling is not provided? Please contact us at (630) 208-3841 or recycle@kanecountyil.gov. Your report can be anonymous. It is helpful if you can provide a phone number or email address for an operations manager. When we receive reports, we work with commercial entities to help them understand the ordinance and establish suitable, cost-effective service or to seek a waiver where warranted. Penalties are assessed as a last resort.

See our “Frequently Asked Questions" guide for commercial establishment compliance with the Kane County Recycling Ordinance.

Establishing New Recycling Service

Commercial Establishment Recycling Challenges

When recycling service is provided, there are still some challenges that are fairly unique to commercial entities. The entities (or commercial property managers on their behalf) enter private contracts for service with waste haulers. Some waste haulers assess contamination fees when items that are not recyclable are placed in commercial recycling dumpsters because it costs the hauler money to fish those items out and take them to the landfill (or, if the hauler is dependent on a third party processor, they might be assessed fees for contaminated loads). If contamination is a frequent problem the fees really add up.

There are two main sources of contamination in recycling containers: fly dumping and improper recycling practices by staff, customers, or other people with authorized access to recycling containers.

Fly dumping occurs when people who are not affiliated with a commercial establishment trespass and use the recycling container illegally to dispose of items that are not accepted in the recycling container. Potential solutions to fly dumping include placement of dumpsters in locked or access-limited enclosures, use of container lock bars which can be obtained from haulers, and/or use of surveillance equipment to monitor container use. If surveillance equipment is used, signage indicating monitoring and penalties is also useful.

Improper use occurs when there is misunderstanding or a lack of consideration among staff or customers about what materials can be placed in recycling, or if the garbage dumpster fills up and staff use the recycling container as overflow. If there's a problem with overflow, the garbage container size or collection frequency should be adjusted to fit the need. Other contamination issues need to be addressed through communication to staff and/or customers.

It can be very helpful for commercial operations or facility managers to make a list of disposable items that staff and/or customers routinely encounter on site (both items that are dispensed on location and frequently brought in from off-site). The manager should then go through the list with a representative from the contracted waste hauler to get a full picture of which disposable items are accepted for recycling. The Kane County Recycling Coordinator (contact info below) is also happy to go through these lists with managers. Establishments with a lot of customers or other patrons should consider developing custom signage to post on recycling containers and/or in common areas to help improve understanding.

Plastic bags are a very common contaminant in commercial establishment recycling. Staff or contractors with custodial responsibilities usually need to consolidate recycling from multiple indoor containers and then move it to the outdoor recycling dumpster. Using plastic bags is a convenient and sanitary way to accomplish this. However, almost all waste companies view bagged recyclables as contamination. Plastic bags tangle equipment at recycling sortation centers, and it would take too much labor for workers to empty out all of those bags. Custodians can still use plastic bags to consolidate and carry items but should empty the bags into the recycling container and then throw the empty bag into the garbage container.

Education of staff and customers is critical to reducing contamination of recycling due to improper usage, and Kane County can help at no cost! Here are some options:

• The Kane County Recycling Coordinator can work with managers or owners to customize and deliver recycling training for staff; and/or
• We can provide copies of the most recent Kane County Green Guide for staff or customers

We also encourage commercial establishment managers to push their contracted waste hauling company to improve signage/markings on recycling dumpsters and to provide educational material for staff or customers.

If you're interested in working with Kane County to improve recycling at a commercial establishment, contact us at 630-208-3841 or recycle@kanecountyil.gov. 

Ordinance Waivers

A commercial establishment can request a complete waiver if it can credibly demonstrate that it generates no recyclable materials on site.

A commercial establishment can request a partial waiver that allows it to only separate and recycle a single recycling stream if it can credibly demonstrate that it generates appreciable quantities of only one recyclable material on site.

A commercial establishment can request a partial waiver from the hauling service component of the ordinance if it can credibly demonstrate that it back-hauls its recyclable materials.

To request a waiver, please email recycle@kanecountyil.gov or mail the request to:

Kane County Recycling Program
719 S. Batavia Ave, Building A
Geneva, IL 60134

Please include a mailing address for the commercial entity in your request.

Reducing Food Waste

Does your commercial establishment generate a lot of food waste? In the United States, we collectively dispose of ~60 million tons of food every year - almost 40% of the total food supply. Commercial establishments that specialize in food sales, processing or preparation should get to know the new (2023) EPA Wasted Food Scale and consider operational changes to prevent generation of food waste. See this page for ways to rescue and sell "last chance" food items. Commercial establishments with a lot of non-saleable food waste should consider separate collection of organic material for delivery to a com​post or biodigestion facility. Check out the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition for resources on how to get started with composting. Also, sign up for the We Compost recognition program!

Recycling & Disposal of Other Materials

Commercial establishments are required by state and federal law to recycle or otherwise responsibly dispose of certain materials that are not usually accepted by traditional waste haulers under commercial contracts. These include electronic devices covered by the Consumer Electronics Recycling Act, white good appliances, and hazardous wastes, including universal hazardous wastes such as fluorescent light tubes and batteries. Commercial establishments​ should seek service from specialty recyclers or hazardous waste disposal companies (see bottom of this page) to meet these needs.

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​Materials that businesses, organizations & institutions are required to recycle by law:

• Paper
• Office paper
• Magazines
• Newspaper
  
• Unwanted mail
  
• ​Cardboard
• Small metal containers
• Small plastic containers
• Glass bottles
• ​​Covered electronics
• ​Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
• Batteries used in the course of operations​
  
  

Green Meetings & Events

There are a lot of different ways to think about the environmental footprint of an event or meeting, including energy use, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel. This page will focus on how to reduce solid waste associated with events and meetings. The specific aspects covered are: event information and materials, food and beverage service, and on-site waste management.

Event Information and Materials

For your event or meeting, can it be reasonably expected that attendees can and will access critical event information like a schedule or map using technology? Part of answering this question is knowing the expected audience and their access to and comfort with technology.

• Where access and comfort are anticipated and the amount of information that needs to be distributed is relatively low, planners may be able to simply send electronic files out in advance of the event.
• Attendees can make their own decisions about whether to print things out or look at them online.
• Another approach is to post critical event information in obvious/communal spaces during the event. This could be done with a large banner or poster or by using electronic screens.
  
  
• For complex events like example multi-track conferences or large trade shows, where audience access and comfort with technology is anticipated, it may be best to look into developing an event app in order to organize and streamline access to event information. 
• ​There are a number of tech companies that provide custom event apps. 
• It is still generally a good idea to have some print material on hand. 
• With enough lead time, you can ask attendees if they want a printed program or whether they plan to use the app.
  

Sometimes providing hard copies of meeting or event information is unavoidable. When this is the case, develop print quote specifications including use of paper with at least some post-consumer recycled content. Make sure items are printed double-sided as much as possible. If producing bound material like booklets, choose saddle stapling, paper clips or folders made from paper over plastic folders and spiral or comb binding, which prevent recycling.

If event posters or banners are being produced, it's best to use materials that can either be reused or recycled. Is there a way to design a banner that can be used for future iterations of the event, perhaps with minor modifications? If not, can you have the banner printed on textile (either cotton or woven polyester or a blend), which can be recycled at a Kane County Recycling Center? Unwoven plastic like vinyl is generally not recyclable and will end up in a landfill. With posters, paper or cardstock is the most recyclable material. Corrugated polypropylene posters or signs can be recycled at occasional County campaign sign recycling events, which are scheduled to after general elections. Foam core signs are not recyclable and will have to be put into trash.

If you are planning to produce promotional items as gifts for attendees, it's best to make sure these are produced with relatively low amounts of resources and that they are likely to be valued and used by attendees. A notebook made from recycled paper or other renewable material can be a nice promo item, as can pens or pencils made with recycled material. Reusable tote bags are fairly common, but not all bags are created equal. Many event promo tote bags are too small or flimsy to be reused many times. Woven plastic materials (polyester and woven polypropylene or PET) are often the best in terms of requiring less resources to make while still being durable. Non-woven plastic bags are cheap but flimsy. Canvas bags are durable but use a huge amount of resources to make. With enough lead time, planners can poll within the target audience to see what types of promo items they actually keep and use.

For durable items like plastic nametag holders and lanyards, consider collecting these items for reuse at a future event. Pin-on plastic nametags use fewer resources than lanyards. ​Custom lanyards have better reusability when the branding is not specific to an occasion or year. Try to find lanyards made from recycled material. 

Food and Beverage Service

The food and beverage service option that always generates the least waste is serving on reusable/washable service wear. Can the meeting or event be held at a venue that provides and washes plates, cups and silverware? If not, would attendees be receptive to bringing some of their own service items with them? This option is generally only realistic for short events where only one meal will be eaten or where communal water or coffee will be available (e.g., encourage or even incentivize attendees to bring refillable bottles or mugs).

If reusable service items aren't an option, it's best to have beverages like pop, water and beer served in their original containers instead of in a separate cup. Whether made from plastic, glass, aluminum or paper carton material, drink containers are recyclable while single use cups, especially plastic ones, are often not. Serving drinks in their original packaging also alleviates the need for straws. If disposable cups and straws are unavoidable, favor paper products over plastic. Empty paper cups for hot and cold beverages are recyclable. Provide guidance to attendees to help them recycle cups properly.

If reusable plates and silverware aren't options, keeping things as simple as possible is best. Is it possible to serve finger foods so that plastic utensils aren't necessary? Can food be served on simple disposable plates instead of in plastic containers? In general, paper service wear that uses some amount of recycled material is best among disposables. Compostable service wear, including utensils, would be the next most favorable, but only if compost service is provided at the event (see next section). Rigid single use plastic service wear items are generally not recyclable, and expanded foam (Styrofoam) items should be the absolute last choice.

In cases where all food and beverage service wear is being supplied by one or more vendors, ask about the type of packaging and service wear used during the vendor selection process. Where food vendors are paying to participate in an event, planners might consider offering a reduced rate to those willing to use less wasteful food service items. 

On-site Waste Management

Can the event be hosted at a venue that already has comprehensive composting service? This will be the easiest way to deal with food waste and potentially compostable service wear in an environmentally friendly way, since the venue will already have the right containers and processes in place. If not, pl​an​ners may wish to look for a hauler that will provide composting service for the event. The Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition has a list of comm​ercial compost haulers on their website. Many are based in Chicago and don't provide routine service in Kane County, but may be willing to provide service for large events. When collecting quotes from compost haulers, it's important to ask about what types of compostable service wear, if any, are accepted, and for clear guidance on acceptable and unwanted food scraps. It will be very important to provide signs and guidance about what items event attendees and venue staff should put into compost containers.

When selecting an event venue, evaluate whether potential venues have suitable and sufficient recycling bins already in place. If so, ask the venue manager if temporary signs or QR codes can be posted on the bins to show which items specific to the event waste stream should be recycled. In cases where the event planner/host is responsible for procuring trash and recycling service, it will be important to make sure that trash and recycling containers are clearly labeled and convenient. It's great if they can be different colors from each other for quick differentiation. Planners should collect quotes from licensed waste haulers for the infrastructure and hauling needed to manage trash and recycling streams from the event. During the selection process, talk to the company representatives about the anticipated waste stream from the event, any contaminants they would be concerned about, and best practices to avoid contamination problems.

Event planners who can anticipate the waste stream from their events can also consider making custom signs or QR codes or putting guidance in the event program or app telling people what to put in recycling and what to put in trash. Another potential option is to have volunteers monitor trash, recycling and food waste disposal at meal times or throughout the event, and to train them to gently encourage proper use of the containers. At events with an MC, ask that person to specifically point out the importance of recycling at the event and direct attendees to any available guidance. Planners may be able to get creative about how they generate excitement about recycling at their events. One recent idea for an art festival in Kane County was to have student artists compete to design a colorful, eye-catching recycling containers. 

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​The drop-off and home pick-up programs described above are intended for use by residents, not businesses. Businesses are required by law to handle mercury containing lamps as Universal Waste under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and must contract for their proper disposal.

Local options offering business services for lamps ​include the following: ​

EverLights, Roselle, IL, 877-934-9873​

TerraCycle Regulated Waste, Aurora, IL, 866-480-4501​

Universal Environmental Services​, Portage, IN, 800-988-7977

Lamp Master has boxes ​in a number of configurations to take various bulb types, including fluorescent tubes, CFLs, HIDs and LEDs. https://lampmaster.com/

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Motor Oil

It is important for Kane County residents who change their own engine oil or who otherwise come to possess used or surplus​ motor oil to dispose of it safely. It is illegal to dispose of motor oil in landfills. According to IEPA, just one gallon of motor oil, disposed of improperly, can render a million gallons of water unsafe for drinkin​g. Used oil is also highly recyclable, and can be re-refined into lubricating oil and other valuable products.

Auto Service and Parts Stores​

There are many, many locations in the County that will accept used motor oil, including most major auto parts chains (e.g., AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, etc.). Many auto repair centers also accept used oil, including Pep Boys, Firestone​​ Complete Auto Care, Valvoline, Walm​art Auto Centers, etc.​ 

Please call ahead to your local parts store or maintenance shop​ to ask about acceptance and fees. ​​

HHW Programs

​Residential quantities of motor oil, and any oil/fuel mixtures can also be disposed of through Household Hazardous Waste programs, including the Kane County Home Pickup Program​ (for residents of eligible townships and municipalities) and the Naperville HHW facility​ (open to all Illinois residents). Additionally, most municipal or state HHW collection events will accept oil and oil/fuel mixtures. There are no fees to use​ these programs.

Township Programs

Some Kane townships have motor oil recycling programs. Information is as follows:

Batavia Township Road District: Residents may call (630) 879-5515 to schedule

Dundee Township Road District: Residents may call (847) 426-0898 to schedule pick up 

Large Quantities (100+ gallons)​

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​We have separate pages or links with additional information about:

Aerosols​
Batteries
Fluorescent lights
​​Mercury Thermostats​
Motor Oil
Paint
Pharmaceuticals/Medications
Sharps/Needles/Syringes​​

Reduce use of hazardous material in the home

Make your own non-toxic household cleaners

Commercial and Institutional Hazardous Waste

The Naperville HHW Drop-off and the Home Collection Service program are for residential waste only. Under state and federal law, businesses and institutions must dispose of hazardous materials by using a certified Hazardous Waste Transport/Disposal company. The collection of multiple quotes is recommended. The following list of service providers is for informational purposes only and does not represent endorsement by Kane County.

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Waste Contracts in Kane County

This page contains information ​for residents that receive waste service though a contract held by their municipal or township government. If you live in unincorporated Kane County and your township is not listed below, that means there is no contract and you may choose your own hauler. See more info here. Multi-family properties with more than four units usually ​do not receive service as part of municipal contracts. See more info about recycling for multi-family here​. 

Your municipality or township should be your primary source of information about waste service. However, we've provided the basics here: the current hauler for each location, how to contact their customer service, and links to municipal, township and hauler webpages.​

If you would like to see how the services provided through your location's waste​ contract compare to other contracts in the County, we have assembled a spreadsheet that describes the basic parameters of municipal and township contracts. KaneCountyResContracts_9-23.xlsx (note: the spreadsheet is locked for editing).​

​​​Find your Hauler, alphabetic by location (last updated April 2025)​​​

Algonquin (Village of) - Groot Hauling Services - Village of Algonquin - Service number: 847-734-6400
Explore Recycling Options in the Villa​ge of Algonquin

Aurora (City of) - Groot Hauling Services - City of Aurora - Service number: 630-892-9294
Explore Recycling Options in the City of Aurora

Batavia (City of) - Groot Hauling Services - City of Batavia - Service number: 630-892-9294
Explore Recycling Options in the City of Batavia 

Big Rock (Village of) - Groot Hauling Services - Village of Big Rock​ - Service number: 630-892-9294
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Big Rock

Blackberry Township - LRS Hauling Services - Blackberry Township - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in Blackberry Township

Burlington (Village of) - Groot Hauling Services - Village of Burlington - Service number: 847-429-7370
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Burlington

Campton Hills - LRS Hauling Services - Campton Township - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Solid Waste Disposal Options in Campton Township

Campton Township - - LRS Waste Hauling Services - Campton Township​ - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Solid Waste Disposal Options in Campton Township

Carpentersville - Groot Hauling Services - Village of Carpentersville - Service number: 847-429-7370
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Carpentersville 

East Dundee - Flood Brothers Disposal Hauling Services - Village of East Dundee - Service number: 630-261-0578
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of East Dundee 

Elburn -LRS Hauling Services - Village of Elburn - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Elburn

Elgin (City of) - LRS Resident Portal - City of Elgin​ - to start service: 311 or 847-931-6001 - for LRS customer service, including HHW and electronics pick-up requests: 855-612-7938 or ElginService@LRSrecycles.com
Explore Recycling Options in the City of Elgin

Elgin Township - Groot Hauling Services - Elgin Township - Service number: 847-429-7370
Explore Recycling Options in Elgin Township

​ Geneva (City of) - LRS Hauling Services - City of Geneva - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in the City of Geneva

Gilberts - MDC Environmental Hauling Services - Village of Gilberts - Service number: 815-568-7274
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Gilberts

Hampshire (Village of) - Flood Brothers Hauling Services - Village of Hampshire - Service number: 630-261-0578
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Hampshire

Huntley (excluding Sun City) - ​MDC Environmental Hauling Services - Village of Huntley - Service number: 815-​568-7274
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Huntley

Kaneville (Village of) - LRS Hauling Services - Village of Kaneville - Service number: 844-633-3577
​ Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Kaneville

Kaneville Township - LRS Hauling Services - Township​ of Kaneville - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in Kaneville Township

Lily Lake - LRS Hauling Services - Lily Lake - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Solid Waste Disposal Options in Lily Lake

Maple Park - Waste Management Hauling Services - Village of Maple Park - For customer service: 800-964-8988 - for WM At-Your-Door: 800-449-7587
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Maple Park

Mill Creek - LRS Hauling Services - Village of Mill Creek - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Mill Creek

Montgomery - LRS Hauling Services - Village of Montgomery - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Montgomery

North Aurora - Groot Hauling Services - Village of North Aurora - Service number: 630-892-9294
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of North Aurora

Pingree Grove - Flood Brother Hauling Services - Village of Pingree Grove - Service number: 630-261-0578
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Pingree Grove

Plato Township - LRS Hauling Services - Plato Township - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in Plato Township

Prestbury - Waste Management Hauling Services - Prestbury - Service number: 800-964-8988
Explore Recycling Options - Prestbury's HOA

Sleepy Hollow - Groot Hauling Services - Village of Sleepy Hollow - Service number: 847-429-7370 ​
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Sleepy Hollow

South Elgin - Groot Hauling Services - Village of South Elgin - Service number: 847-429-7370
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of South Elgin

St. Charles (City of) - LRS Hauling Services - City of St. Charles - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in the City of St. Charles

Sugar Grove (Village of) - LRS Hauling Services - Village of Sugar Grove - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in the Village of Sugar Grove

Sun City by Del Webb - Waste Management Hauling Services - Sun City by Del Webb - Service number: 800-964-8988
Explore Recycling Options - Sun City's by Del Webb HOA

Virgil Township​ - LRS Hauling Services - Village of Virgil Township - Service number: 844-633-3577
Explore Recycling Options in Virgil Township

West Dundee - Groot Hauling Services - Village of West Dundee​ - Service number: 847-429-7370
​ Explore Recycling Options in the Village of West Dundee

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Multi-Family Residents' Access to Recycling

​There's no two ways about it - recycling for multi-​family properties such as apartment complexes is a major challenge. In their 2024 State of Recycling report​, The Recycling Partnership found that only 41% of Illinois residents in multi-family buildings have access to recycling. In Kane County, multi-family property managers are required by ordinance to provide residents with recycling service (Kane County Code of Ordinances, 11-111, B). Still, compliance with this ordinance is spotty.

Do you live in a multi-family building or complex where recycling is not provided? Please contact us at (630) 208-3841 or recycle@kanecountyil.gov. Your report can be anonymous. It is helpful if you can provide a name, phone number or email address for property management. When we receive reports, we work with property managers to help them understand the ordinance and establish suitable, cost-efficient service.

See our “Frequently Asked Questions" guide for multi-family property compliance with the Kane County Recycling Ordinance​.

Multi-Family Recycling Program Challenges

When recycling service is provided, there are still some challenges that are fairly unique to multi-family situations. Property managers enter private contracts for service with waste haulers. Some waste haulers assess contamination fees when items that are not recyclable are placed in commercial recycling dumpsters because it costs the hauler money to fish those items out and take them to the landfill (or, if the hauler is dependent on a third party processor, they might be assessed fees for contaminated loads). If contamination is a frequent problem the fees really add up and property managers typically pass these expenses on to residents.

There are two main sources of contamination in recycling containers: fly dumping and improper use by residents.

Fly dumping occurs when people who do not live at the property trespass and use the recycling container illegally to dispose of items that are not accepted in the recycling container. Potential solutions to fly dumping include placement of dumpsters in locked or access-limited enclosures and/or use of surveillance equipment to monitor container use. If surveillance equipment is used, signage indicating monitoring and penalties is also useful.

Improper use by residents occurs when there is misunderstanding or a lack of consideration among residents about what materials can be placed in the recycling container, or if the garbage container fills up and residents use the recycling container as overflow. If there's a problem with overflow, property managers should either adjust the garbage container size or collection frequency to meet resident needs. Other contamination issues need to be addressed through communication to residents.

Plastic bags are a very common contaminant in multi-family recycling. Residents usually need to walk or drive their recyclable items from their home to a communal recycling dumpster, and using plastic bags is a convenient and mess-free way to do that. However, almost all waste companies view bagged recyclables as contamination. Plastic bags tangle equipment at recycling sortation centers, and it would take too much labor for workers to empty out all of those bags. Some potential solutions:

• residents can use other containers such as cardboard boxes, reusable shopping bags or reusable storage totes to transport their recyclables
• residents can still use plastic bags, but should empty the bag into the recycling container and then throw the empty bag into the garbage container (or reuse it, if it isn't too dirty)

Education of residents is critical to reducing contamination of recycling due to improper use of containers by residents, and Kane County can help at no cost! Here are some options:

• The Kane County Recycling Coordinator can come give a presentation to residents; and/or
• We can provide copies of the most recent Kane County Green Guide for each unit; and/or
• We can customize a poster and/or flier that can be made available in common areas
• Spanish language material available

We also encourage property managers to push their contracted waste hauling company to improve signage/markings on communal containers and to provide education and outreach material for residents.

If you're interested in working with Kane County to improve recycling at a mult​i-family property, contact us at 630-208-3841 or recycle@kanecountyil.gov. 

Waste & Recycling​ Service in Unincorporated Areas

Procurement of trash and recycling services at residential addresses in unincorporated Kane County where no township waste contract exists is the responsibility of either the homeowner or their tenant, depending on the language of the rental agreement. Currently, the townships listed below do not bid waste contracts, meaning that service to each address must be obtained independently. Home owners or authorized tenants may select any licensed hauler of their choosing. See a list of all licensed haulers here. 

• Aurora Township
• Batavia Township
• Big Rock Township
• Burlington Township
• Dundee Township
• Geneva Township
• Hampshire Township
  
• Rutland Township
• St. Charles Township
• Sugar Grove Township

All residences in Kane County are required by ordinance to obtain recycling service in addition to trash removal. Any yard waste that cannot b​e managed on site must also be collected separately for composting by state law.

It is strongly recommended that residents obtain multiple quotes for service since pricing can vary between providers. Residents should also read over contracts carefully. Things to examine include:

• What is the duration of the contract?
• Is pricing fixed during the duration of the contract, or is it variable?
• If variable, is there a maximum annual increase​?
• Under what conditions may the resident end the contract?
• What are the penalties for ending the contract early?
• What happens if the waste company is merged or bought during the term of the contract?
  
  

​​​Unincorporated Hauling Frequently Asked Questions

My rates are unreasonably high. What can I do?

Obtain a quote for service from a competing hauling company. If a substantially lower quote is given, either explore breaking your current waste contract and going with the other company or use the quote as leverage to negotiate a better rate with the current company.

​One or more hauling companies have refused to provide recycling service, but they will provide trash service. What can I do?

Haulers refusing to provide recycling service in a location where they do provide trash service are in violation of the County hauling ordinance. Please document this and report to recycle@kanecountyil.gov or call 630-208-3841.

I am the only address on my street that puts out a recycling bin. What can I do?

If you feel comfortable, you can gently inform their neighbors that they are required to recycle by ordinance (and show them this webpage). At the County, level, we have found that it is more efficient to work with haulers to address this issue. Please contact recycle@kanecountyil.gov or call 630-208-3841 and provide the names of the hauling companies that are providing trash service on your street but not recycling.

My hauler puts trash and recycling in the same truck at the same time. What can I do?

It is common and legal for haulers to use the same truck on the same day to collect both trash and recycling. What should happen is that the truck will collect one material on its whole route, go to the transfer station and drop its load, and then return and collect the other material. The time between pick-ups will depend on the length of the route and the distance to the transfer station. If you believe that trash and recycling are going in the same truck at the same time so that trash and recycling are being mixed together, please take photos or videos of this occurrence, as it is illegal both at the County and State levels. Please contact recycle@kanecountyil.gov and attach any relevant documentation or call 630-208-3841. 
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I'm sick of all the waste​ truck traffic in my neighborhood. What can I do?

Attend a township meeting and ask the township board to consider a referendum to pursue hauling under a franchise contract. Township road district supervisors are sometimes important players in this decision, since collection trucks cause a lot of wear and tear on the roads, so that may also be a good place to start the conversation.​​

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Hours: 8am-12 no​on

​NOTE: Please do not arrive before 7:45am as it impedes our set-up process. We have not had to close shredding early due to truck capacity since 2021!​

What you can bring: Please sort your papers so that you bring ONLY confidential materials. Even​t staff or volunteers may ask you to leave the line and sort your papers if you bring material that will contaminate the paper being shredded and impact recycling.

Already Shredded Paper?

DO NOT PUT IN CURBSIDE RECYCLING BIN: Paper that has already been shredded is not recyclable in the curbside recycling programs because it creates a major problem at sorting facilities. 

BRING TO ANY KANE COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER: If you have already shredded your documents, you can bring​ bags of shredded paper to the Kane County Recycling Centers. Please bring shredded paper in paper bags (with top rolled and stapled once or twice). Shredded paper will be sent for pulping.

SHRED JUDICIOUSLY: Best practice if you want to shred your own confidential material is to tear off the portion of the page that contains the confidential information and shred that and then recycle the rest of the sheet whole in your curbside recycling program.

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Articles and Videos

​Articles

Article Archive Under Construction​

Articles on the New Kane County Connects (live links)

3/19/2024 - Spring Cleaning: Thrift, Resale, Recycling - What's the Difference?

1/15/2024 - Green Tip: Recycling Styrofoam

12/11/2023 - Map for Ho​liday Light Recycling Drop Off

10/10/2023 - ​New Disposal Options for Unwanted Medications

6/12 - 6/28/2023 - ​Reusable Bag Reviews; Part 1​, Part 2, Part 3

12/25/​​2022 - ​Recycling Cut Trees and Light Strings in Kane County

12/14/2022 - ​That's a Wrap! Some Tips for Greening your Gift Wrap

11/30/2022 - ​A Winning Campaign Sign Recycling Event

10/12/2022 - Kane County Board Members Witness Recycling in Action (Recycling Facility tour)
bonus: View the videos of the machinery in action on YouTube.

9/21/2022 -Kane Co. Restaurants and Supermarkets Using Mobile Apps to Reduce Hunger and Food Waste​

9/14/2022 - Navigate Safe Paint Disposal with New Map of Drop-off Locations

Articles from First Half 2022 a​​nd Earlier (pdf downloads)​

5/17/2022 - Is your Personal Information Safe if you Recycle your Computer?​

5/11/2022 - Lightbulb Recycling: A Bright Idea!

4/26/2022 - Where Does Our Waste Go? New Map of Facilities Handling Kane County's Curbside Material

4/20/2022 - Home Sale Clean Out: Recycling in a Hurry

4/13/2022 - Countdown to Earth Day: Litter, Plogging and Litterati

4/6/2022 - Countdown to Earth Day: The Benefits of Composting at Home

Videos​

5/8/2024 Batavia Public Library, Composting is for Everyone!

11/08/23 Batavia Public Library Recycling Presentation​

​School Waste Reduction, Recycling Right, & Waste Free Lunchrooms Presentation (19 minutes long)

• This is a free resource for teachers to use.
  
• Also please utilize the resources linked in this document​.​
  

1/13/21 Recycling Presentation​​​

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​4/13/20 Kane County Recycles Right - Presentation by Jennifer Jarland​​

Cartons are Recyclable​

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Home Services A-Z List Events Recycling Centers Recycling Guidelines ​Green Guide​​​​​​​​ Videos and Articles KCR Emailing List Solid Waste Plan Sustainability Plan Illin​ois Recycling Association​

Other Hauler Responsibilities

Solid Waste Plans

2020 Kane County Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery Plan Update​

​2015​​ Kane County Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery Plan Update​​​​​ ​

2009 Kane County Solid Waste Plan Update​​​

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Where Does Our Waste Go?

​​​Recycling:​

The truck that collects recycling from your​ bin takes its load to a facility called a transfer station (see orange truck icons on map below for locations). Transfer stations usually accept both garbage and recycling but by law they must be kept separate and never mixed together. Transfer stations have either separate bays or completely separate buildings for trash and recycling. Then, recycling is loaded into larger, more efficient trucks for longer-distance transport.​

A front end loader at a local transfer station

Large trucks take recyclables to facilities called materials recovery facilities (in the industry, we call them MRFs, pronounced “murf"). Material recovery facilities are essentially factories that specialize in separating single stream recycling into bales containing only one material. There are several MRFs serving the greater Chicago region (see blue recycle symbol icons on map below for locations). MRFs vary in technology and processes, but most if not all MRFs in this area use sophisticated technology, including infra-red sorters and AI-enabled robots, to sort recyclables. Each of the three largest haulers serving Kane County opened a new MRF in the Chicago region within the last 5 years. MRFs also employ many people to do some initial sorting and to perform quality control. Check out the video below by the waste company LRS for a look inside a Chicago-area MRF.

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The outputs of MRFs are large bales made of ideally just one material. Plastics are baled by type (PET - #1, polyethylene - #2, polypropylene - #5). Mixed paper and corrugated cardboard are baled separately. Aluminum and steel are baled separately. Glass is not baled, but is collected in large hoppers for transport. The bales are sold on the commodity market to buyers who use the materials to make new items. Contamination (called "residuals" in industry speak) is another unfortunate product of MRFs. Generally, anywhere from 20 - 35% of material brought to a MRF is not recyclable. This material ideally goes in one end of the MRF and out the other. It is sent to a landfill.​

The Kane County Recycling Coordinator poses with some bales of aluminum and HDPE (plastic #2) sorted at a Chicago-area MRF

Separated Yard Waste/Organics:​

 

Black gold! The result of commercial scale composting is a soil amendment that's good for farm fields and gardens

Compost facilities that take more than 10% food scrap are required to be permitted by IEPA as Pollution Control Facilities. There are no fully permitted compost facilities in or very close to Kane County, which unfortunately limits food scrap composting options.

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​Recycling Centers​​​
​​
Alert: Fabyan Recycling Center will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED for Repaving Starting October 19, 2026!

Anticipated re-open in mid-November. See webpage with alternative recycling options and project updates here.

Quick page navigation:

​About the Program/What to Expect​

Fabyan Parkway (Geneva) Site, hours & directions

Accepted Materials Lists

Recycling Fees

LRS e-Waste Site (Elburn)

Frequently Asked Questions​ 

Alert: Recycling Fees

While most items accepted at the Kane County Recycling Centers are free to recycle, we charge fees to recycle the following items: 

• Televisions
• Peripheral/stand-alone computer monitors
• Aerosols (accepted at Fabyan Parkway location only)​
  
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Child car seats, strollers, high chairs and ride-in cars
  

Fees are retained by the County's collection partners to cover staffing and operational expenses. Please click here for fee details​​ and for the answers to frequently asked questions.​ We also have an English/Spanish information sheet​ about the TV/monitor fee with information about areas of the county with occasional or recurring fee-free options for TVs and monitors. Best Buy stores and the business Elgin Recycling (not affiliated with City of Elgin) also offer drop off of TVs/monitors with a fee, though size and quantity limits often apply. Contact your closest ​location for details.

About our Recycl​ing Centers & What to Expect

Kane County operates two "electronics and more" recycling centers​ open Monday through Friday year-round. The sites are closed on most federal holidays. No appointments are necessary to visit us at:

• Fabyan Parkway between Geneva and ​Batavia (517​ E. Fabyan Parkway - click for hours and directions)
• West Dundee, through the rear gate of the Village Dept. of Public Works building (900 Angle Tarn - click for hours and directions)​. 
  

The sites are staffed by employees of eWorks, the County's contracted collection partner. eWorks is a non-profit organization with a local office in Wheeling, IL, that provides job training for developmentally disabled individuals through partnerships with area school districts. Site attendants will assist guests with unloading items, processing any fee payments, and answering questions to the best of their abilities. Did you manage to stump a site ​attendant with a tough question? You can always direct questions to the County Recycling Office: (630) 208-3841 or recycle@kanecountyil.gov​.

Additionally, ​the waste management company LRS allows Kane County residents to drop off certain electronic devices at its transfer station in Elburn. Appointments are required for this site only. Click here for details​ about how to use the Elburn site.​

Need weekend recycling? Pease see our Events Page​ for dates and locations of recycling opportunities offered on weekends throughout the year.​

​Accepted Materials​​​

Geneva/Batavia

Street Address: 517 E. Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, IL 60134 M​AP
​

​Street view of the Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center​

Hours: ​Site WILL BE CLOSED temporarily starting October 19, 2026. More details here. Mon. - Fri., 8am-4pm - self-service ​kiosk for select items open 24/7/365. ​

Directions: The center is located on the North side of Fabyan Parkway between the intersection with Rt. 25 to the west and Raddant Rd. to the east. NOTE: GPS often gives bad directions due to the site being part of a much larger County-owned parcel. If using Google Maps, use "Kane County Electronics Recycling Center" as the destination. 

​If traveling west on Fabyan Pkwy.: turn right into the driveway about a quarter of a mile past the intersection (with traffic light) with N. Raddant Rd. Look for a white sign with green lettering that says "Recycling Center" set back from the road.

If traveling eas​​​​​​t on Fabya​n Pkwy.: turn left about a third of a mile past the intersection (with traffic light) with Rt. 25. Look for a white sign with green lettering that says "Recycling Center" set back from the road.​

On-site traffic flow (NEW Feb. 2026): Please stay to the right when entering and join line if present. The first car in line should pull up and turn left alongside the large cardboard collection containers. This is the unloading area. The attendant will assist each guest with unloading and any fee payments in order of arrival.

​West Dundee - behind Village Department of Public Works​​ building

Street Address: ​900 Angle Tarn, West Dundee, IL 60118 MAP​​ - note, you will actually need to access the site gate from Beacon St., a turn off of ​Angle Tarn.

Hours: ​Mon.-Fri., 7​am-3pm ​​​​​​​​​​​​

Directions: If traveling north on Rt. 31, look for the intersection with ​Bo​ncosky Rd. on the left. Continue about 1/3 mile and take the ​next left turn onto Angle Tar​n. Pass the church parking lot and turn right onto Beacon St. then take a slight left and go through the gate to find the Center behind the DPW building. If traveling south on Rt. 31, look fo​r the intersection with Willow Lane and Strom Drive. Continue about 1/2 mile and take the next right turn onto Angle Tarn. Pass the church parking lot and turn right onto Beacon St. then take a slight left and go through the gate to find the Center behind the DPW building.

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​​LRS Elburn

This site accepts the subset of electronic items that are covered by the Illinois Consumer Electronics Recycling Act: ​Cable boxes, Cell phones, Computers (laptop, desk top, tablet etc.), Computer cables, Computer keyboards, Computer mice, Digital converter boxes, DVD players, Fax machines, Computer monitors, Personal digital assistants, MP3 players, Printers, Satellite receivers, Scanners, Small-scale servers, Televisions, VCRs, Video game consoles. Registration required before drop off for this location only.
Location: 1N138 Linlar Drive, Elburn, IL 60119 MAP
Hours: M-F 8:30am-2:30pm​ 
Accepts: Electronics as listed above​ 

• Please call 844-633-3577​ to schedule and pay TV and monitor fees
  
• ​Note: LRS charges $100 for over-size TVs (>65")
  
• If you do not have a TV or monitor, you can schedule your drop-off online!

Recycling Fee Details

All accepted items not listed below are free to recycle!

TVs and stand-alone monitors with screens less than 21 inches measured diagonally: $25 each

TVs and stand-alone monitors 21 inches and over: $35 each

• There is no maximum TV size - all sizes accepted. 
• Fee is the same for all technology types (LCD, CRT, projection, plasma, etc.)
• TV/monitor fee is not applied to laptops, tablets, portable DVD players or any computer where the processor is built in to the screen.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: $2 each

Aerosol cans: $1.25 each

Buta​ne canisters (16 oz. or less only): $1 each

Propane tanks (16 oz. or less only): $4 each

Child car seats, strollers and plastic high chairs: $15 each

Ride-in toy cars (manually propelled, no battery): $10 each

Ride-in toy cars, self-propelled (with battery): $20 each

​Making Payment: 

• Fees at Fabyan Parkway and West Dundee can be paid on-site by cash or major credit or debit card.
  
• You can pre-pay most items on​​line for Fabyan and West Dundee, and for pop-up events ​(please bring printed receipt when dropping off)
• For the Elburn site, fees must be paid to LRS over the phone. Please call 844-633-3577.
  

​NOTE: Fees are retained by Kane County's recycling partners to cover the costs of staffing and operating the Recycling Centers.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Do I need to make an appointment to drop off? ​Only for the LRS-operated site in Elburn. The Fabyan and West Dundee sites are open during the listed hours with no appointment necessary.

Will someone help me unload? Yes - our sites are staffed and the attendant on duty will collect items from customers, including heavy/hard to manage items.

Why is there a fee on TVs and monitors? TV and monitor fees are the only mechanism in the Illinois Consumer Electronics Recycling Act for covering the labor costs associated with collecting and preparing electronics for transport to a recycler. The fee is paid directly to the County's contracted electronics collector, eWorks Electronic Services, Inc., a non-profit that trains and employs people with​ develop​m​en​tal disabilities. You are helping a good cause and responsibly disposing of your used electronics! 

Where can I recycle TVs and monitors for free? The first place to check is with your town's contracted waste hauler​. Some hauling contracts include disposal of electronics, including​ TVs and monitors, at no additional cost to residents. Sometimes this service is available on demand and sometimes only on certain dates. Try a search engine query with the name of your town and the name of the hauler to see if the hauler has a dedicated service page describing the services offered to your town, as this is often the case, or, give them a call. The second place to check is with your municipal government as cities and towns do sometimes hold free electronic recycling days. If we learn about these events ahead of time, we​ list them under "what's new" on our homepage. 

Why is there a fee on aerosols, propane and butane canisters? These fees are retained by the recycler, Flat Can Recycling​ to cover the costs of can disassembly and safe disposal of any residual material.

If I drop off a computer or hard drive, how do you ensure that my personal data is safe? eWorks Electronic Services, Inc.​ located in Elk Grove Village. The company, eWorks is R2 (Responsible Recycling) certified, which means they must meet rigorous standards for the handling of all data-containing devices. Data containing devices are kept locked up at the Recycling Centers when stored overnight. Once they are transported to eWorks in Elk Grove, the devices are separated into two streams - those intended for resale (newer devices only) and those intended for recycling. All devices and components routed for recycling have their hard drives​ or other data-containing components shredded. Devices selected for resale are segr​egated carefully at eWorks and r​emain in locked storage at all ti​mes. Trained technicians implement BLANCO data erasure software and​ the Department of Defens​e​ Standard 7-pass kill disk to completely erase existing data prior to resale. This is the process used for devices collection at all Kane County Recycling Centers and events, including the LRS-run site in Elburn.​

How should I package things to drop off? ​Anything works! If you bring items in a plastic tote, the attendant will return the emptied tote to you.

May I drop off equipment associated with a business or office? Yes, though with some quantity limits. We prefer all business quantity deliveries be brought to the Fabyan Parkway site.

• For large volumes, ongoing quantities, or specific documentation requirements, please contact eWorks (217-364-7472) for a customized quote and service program options. Businesses requiring specific documentation (itemized receipts for non-fee items, certificates of recycling/destruction, etc.) must make prior arrangements with eWorks before drop off in order to receive the documentation).
• Up to 2 pallets worth can be delivered to Fabyan without prior notice./li>
• Anything more than 2 pallets will require that you call to make an appointment (217-364-7472).
• Identify yourself as a business (for tracking purposes) at the time of delivery (bring a business card or a tax ​ID #).
• You will pay the same cost for TVs and Monitors as residents do: TVs and Monitors cost $25 (under 21" measure​d diagonally) or $35 (21" or over). All other items are FREE to drop off.
• Businesses can pay with a credit card at the time of delivery.​

Alternatively, businesses​ may see the whole list of electronics recycling companies​​ that can assist with electronics recycling needs.​​​

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