Consumer Recycling (Illinois)

Effective January 1st, 2010, IL Public Act 095-0959 (Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act) encourages Illinois residents to recycle their electronics directly with their original manufacturers.

In an effort to manage hazardous materials that pose environmental and health risks, the act should significantly increase the number of electronics that are properly recycled, refurbished and/or reused; ultimately to be returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products.

Being dedicated to providing residents with responsible electronic recycling options, we will continue to host scheduled take-back events at our Illinois sites. Be sure to look under our News & Events section for scheduled collection events held at our recycling centers.

• What does IL Public Act 095-0959 state? - Effective January 1st, 2010, IL Public Act 095-0959 establishes a statewide system for recycling and/or reusing electronics discarded from residences by requiring electronic manufacturers to participate in the management of discarded and unwanted electronic devices (CED's and EED's). The law makes electronics manufacturers responsible for the cost of recycling millions of pounds of residential electronic waste every year. The law does not cover e-waste generated in non-residential sectors.
• What are (CED's) and (EED's)? - (CED):  Covered Electronic Devices: Computers, Computer Monitors, Televisions and Printers. (EED):   Eligible Electronic Devices: Cell Phones, Computer Cables, Keyboards/Mice, Fax Machines, MP3 Players, PDA's, Video Game Consoles, VCR's/DVD Players, Zip Drives and Scanners.
• Is there a maximum number of items allowed to bring in? - Yes. The collection limit of CED's and EED's is 10 per individual. Any amount over the limit may incur costs.
• When and where can I drop off my electronics? - Effective January 1st, 2010, affected electronics manufacturers are responsible for providing collection and recycling services for their CED's and EED's. Manufacturers have set up a variety of drop off sites and events or mail back options for Illinois residents' convenience. Check the manufacturer's websites for more information.  Sims Recycling Solutions will also hold take-back events at their recycling centers. See the Events page for details.
• Is there a charge or fee for collecting and recycling my electronics? - The law requires affected manufacturers to set up free collection and recycling programs for CED's and EED's generated by Illinios residents. In certain instances manufacturers can charge residents a fee for collection and recycling of electronic items.

This includes when:

1. Electronic items dropped off at a collection site or event do not fall under the definition of CED or EED.
2. Special arrangements are made for collection such as curbside collection or home pick ups are requested.
3. A financial incentive of equal or greater value, such as a coupon is provided.

• If I do not live in Illinois, can I drop off my items, free of charge? - Only Illinois residents are exempt from charges associated with the recycling of their CED's and EED's.
• Where can I go to get more information on IL Public Act 095-0959? - The full text of the law and other information pertaining to the implementation of he law can be found on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (ILEPA) website.