Like almost everything else this past year, opportunities for recycling have changed. For Deerfield, while some outlets have temporarily (hopefully) shut down, there are some new options!
Celebrate Earth Month, and every month, with visits to these most valuable recycling locations:
Clothing and Textiles
Did you know that 85% of all clothing and textiles end up in landfills in the U.S.?
The great news is that you can help turn the tide by participating in SWALCO’s textile recycling program. They accept new, gently used, used, or unwanted/worn, women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and textiles. All fabrics will be accepted, even with stains or holes. Nearly 95% of the materials collected will be repurposed or recycled.
There are drop boxes in two convenient locations. Donations should be in a closed plastic bag:
- West Deerfield Township, 601 Deerfield Rd. (parking lot): available 24/7
- Deerfield Park District/Deerfield Golf Club, 1201 Saunders Rd: available during regular business hours.
Shoes
While COVID has impacted the number of open SWALCO Reuse-a-Shoe locations, the Highland Park Recycling Center (1180 Half Day Rd.) is open for collections: Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; first Saturday of the month, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
You can recycle almost any type of footwear. Be sure to keep pairs together: tie laces, or secure with rubber bands, or place in a tied, plastic bag. They cannot accept:
- Snow boots
- Moldy shoes; Shoes too badly damaged – in pieces or no soles/bottoms
- Ice Skates and Rollerblade
If you have more than 15-20 pairs of shoes, contact SWALCO at 847-336-9340. Local collection sites are not for high-volume drop-offs.
Plastic Bags/Wrappers/Film
The Deerfield Park District collects plastic bags and film that are not part of regular community recycling (grocery bags, Ziplocs, bread bags, water bottle overwrap, etc.).
There is a collection bin inside the downstairs foyer at the Jewett Park Community Center (836 Jewett Park Dr.) for clean, dry film/plastic. Not all plastic is accepted, so be sure to review the information on the “Recycle Beyond the Bag” website.
