Go Green

Safely Recycle Batteries

The Illinois Battery Stewardship Act


The Illinois Battery Stewardship Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, requires battery manufacturers to set up locations around the state where all single-use and most rechargeable batteries may be recycled. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, have become a safety issue, causing fires in garbage trucks, recycling plants, garages and homes. Vernon Hills businesses that have already signed on to collect rechargeable batteries include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's and Staples, with expanded service expected as we move forward. More information about battery recycling is available by visiting The Battery Network, a nonprofit group working to coordinate the effort. The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) offers a wealth of information when it comes to recycling all things.

WM Spotlight: Keep Batteries Out of the Bin

The Issue: Lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and power tools are “hidden” fire hazards. If crushed in a garbage truck or recycling center, they can ignite, causing dangerous fires.

 

The Rule: No Batteries in Curbside Carts. Batteries should never be placed in your curbside trash or recycling carts.

 

Safe Disposal Steps:

 

  • Tape the Ends: Use clear or electrical tape to cover battery terminals (ends) to prevent short-circuiting.
  • Find a Drop-Off: Take batteries to a dedicated household hazardous waste facility or a participating retail drop-off location.
  • Locator Tool: Visit The Battery Network to find the nearest free battery recycling point.

 

The Core Goal

 Proper battery management directly supports our goal to enable more material to be repurposed by allowing critical minerals to be safely recovered. For more resources on core rules, visit https://www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right.


Recycle Your Cups!

WM Now Accepts Paper & Plastic Cups

Starting in November, WM encourages everyone to recycle their to-go coffee and cold beverage cups. 

 WM accepts:

  • Hot and cold beverage paper cups (e.g., coffee cups with sleeves and soda cups)
  • Plastic cups made from polyproplyene (PP) (e.g., cold drink cups for soda and iced coffee)

Not accepted:

  • Foam Cups (StyrofoamTM)
  • Rigid polystyrene (#6)
  • Lids, straws and stoppers

How to prepare cups for recycling:

  • Empty all liquids
  • Remove straws, stoppers and food

Tips for Recycling Right:

  • Recycle plastics by shape: bottles, jars, jugs, cups and tubs – much easier than trying to see and interpret resin codes stamped on material
  • Check out WM Recycle Right for updates and more information


Power Up Your Recycling

  • Introducing Loop! Learn more about how to recycle right – visit FeedTheCart.org
  • This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement 84079901 to Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

thumbnail_image014



WM Minute: The Problem with Plastic Bags

November Spotlight: Celebrate America Recycles Day! ♻️

Did you know that America Recycles Day (November 15) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling. To honor this day, WM (formerly Waste Management) and our community parters are asking residents to commit to Recycling Right, ensuring materials can be Repurposed.

 

The Core Problem: Tanglers & Contamination

 WM is investing over $1.4 billion in building new and upgrading existing recycling facilities, leveraging advanced technology and AI to capture more material and increase efficiency. However, contamination still threatens this progress. One of the single biggest issues at our recycling facilities is “tanglers”—items that wrap around equipment and cause shutdowns.

 

This America Recycles Day, please commit to these two core rules:

  • No Loose Plastic Bags: Plastic shopping bags, plastic film, and flexible packaging tangle in sorting equipment, creating safety risks and facility shutdowns.
  • No Bagged Recyclables: Recyclables placed inside a plastic bag often cannot be sorted and are sent straight to the landfill.

 

The Core Goal

Your community’s efforts to Recycle Right directly support our shared goal to enable more materials to be Repurposed. For more resources on contamination and the core rules, visit https://www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right.


RecycleRight


Resource – Recycling Coach

Recycling Coach is a non-profit organization that offers a platform for searching resources, processes and suggestions for residents. Visit the Recycling Coach webpage to search for resources available for your address.


Go Green



Initiatives, Organizations & Resources

Vernon Hills Initiatives:

The Village does not endorse any particular vendor or vouch for any website. These resources are provided for informational purposes only. Please always do your own research and analysis.


Go Green Vernon Hills-Lincolnshire Group:


Solid Waste Agency of Lake County Programs: 

 

Waste Management Services & Resources:


Alternate Energy Source Resources:

While ComEd is the electric delivery utility serving our community, you may select an alternate source for the actual energy portion of your service. ComEd offers the Estimator and Supplier List linked below to help you research which energy providers use wind, solar or other non-coal burning operations to generate energy. (Be sure to do your research; the Village does not endorse any of these suppliers but rather provides the ComEd links as a resource.)


Lake County Public Works Resources:


Composting & Organic Gardening Resources:


Additional Resources:


Car Charging Stations

Need a Recharge?  Car recharging stations are available at the following locations:


Do you have a Green Initiative to share?  

Screen Shot 2022-03-09 at 1.43.37 PM


Considering Leaving the Leaves?

Are you considering "going green" with your autumn leaves? Here is some information, courtesy of Lake County:

  • If you have a small amount of leaves, leave them be – though please always keep your neighborhood storm drains clear to avoid flooding
  • Leaves are a food source, hosting seeds, nuts and other food to help sustain wildlife through the winter
  • Leaves act as miniature shelters from the winter chill fro everything from insects like ladybugs and fireflies to small mammals like chipmunks
  • If you have a large amount of leaves, you might consider mulching them with your mower and then leaving them right on your lawn 
  • Or mulch the leaves and then put those chopped pieces around your trees and in your garden beds to act as fertilizer and winter protection
  • As leaves decompose, they enrich the soil with nutrients, supporting plant growth in the spring
  • Mulched leaves also suppress weed growth, aid trees and regulate moisture

Looking for more information on leaving the leaves? Check these resources:

Village Leaf Collection: Village waste hauler WM offers yard waste/organics/food scrap pick up by seasonal subscription as well as by purchasing stickers. Materials are picked up on your primary garbage day – either Monday or Tuesday, depending on your neighborhood. The yard waste/food scrap/composting pick-ups run from April through late November each year. Please do not rake your leaves into the street, as leaves can then clog the neighborhood storm sewers, causing flooding. Thank you.