Useful Information

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL’s):

CFL's contain mercury and cannot be discarded in your regular trash. CFL’s and fluorescent tube lights can be recycled through Kane County’s Hazardous Waste Program (click here for details). Used, unbroken bulbs can be brought at any time to the following local stores, as well as to other retail outlets, check individual location: Home Depot (all stores), Ace Hardware on Randall Road in South Elgin, Menard’s on Randall Road in Batavia.

Computer and Electronics Recycling:

Computer and electronic products are accepted at Kane County’s Electronic and Book Recycling events, which take place on Fridays and Saturdays one weekend a month. Click here for details.

How much garbage can I set out each week?

There is no limit on the amount of garbage you may leave out for pick-up on your designated day. Certain rules apply: All garbage must be in cans or bags. The maximum can or bag size is 32 gallons, weighing up to 50 pounds. Maximum bundle size is 4 feet in length by 2 feet in diameter, weighing up to 50 pounds.  

One bulk item, such as a sofa, mattress, or kitchen table, will be collected per week if set out on collection day.

What are “White Goods?”

White goods got their name back in the days when all major appliances came only in white – not black, stainless, harvest gold or anything else. The definition of white goods has come to include any large installed appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, air conditioners, humidifiers, washers and dryers, etc. White goods require special handling because they are banned from landfill disposal. A separate truck must be dispatched for these, so pick-up may not be on your regular weekly schedule.

There is a separate fee for picking up these items. Call Waste Management at 800-796-9696 for more information or to arrange a pick-up date.

Expired Drugs and Medication:

Because they will eventually contaminate landfills and the water supply, medications are not allowed in landfills. They must never be flushed down toilets or drains for the same reason. If you have a septic system, anything that goes into your septic field will eventually show up in a well, be it yours or someone else’s.

Kane County maintains a hazardous waste disposal site in Naperville which accepts drugs and medications as well as other hazardous material. Click here for details.

Cleaning out your closet?:

There are many agencies that will be happy to accept donations of serviceable used clothing and household goods. Some will pick up items right at your front door. Each has specific guidelines for what they will accept. Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and Purple Heart are just a few; contact them directly for more information. Donations are generally tax-deductible, check individual organizations for details.

 Styrofoam Packing Peanuts:

Styrofoam packing peanuts are accepted for free recycling at the UPS Store located at 902 South Randall Road, across from Meijer’s Supermarket just south of Route 38. Most other UPS stores accept these as well, check individual locations.