In a recent development that aims to push the boundaries of equity and environmental sustainability within Cook County, President Toni Preckwinkle, together with the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), announced the inauguration of the Cook County Municipal Recycling Grant Program—a concerted effort providing $1 million to jumpstart recycling programs in the suburban villages of Posen, Phoenix, and Dixmoor; this initiative is anticipated to roll out in spring 2025 as per details from the official
Cook County news release
.
The municipalities of Posen, Phoenix, and Dixmoor were vetted and selected for their lack of recycling services and financial struggles, in addition to scoring moderately to highly on an environmental justice index according to CDC data; they were among the first to respond, receiving the grant on a first-come, first-served basis, although DES continues seeking more resources to encompass the remaining nine municipalities still devoid of recycling programs, they were selected from a pool of suburban Cook County municipalities where nearly 3,000 households will benefit from the new grant program.
President Preckwinkle highlighted the County’s commitment to equity and community success, stating, “The Municipal Recycling Grant Program will benefit nearly 3,000 households in the Villages of Posen, Phoenix and Dixmoor, and paves the way for progress in communities that still need curbside recycling services,” as quoted in the
official news release
. The grant is part of the broader Recycling, Composting and Circular Economy Solutions (RCCES) initiative founded in 2022 with goals to boost municipal capabilities for a variety of environmental programs ultimately aiding in the County’s mission of achieving a 45% diversion rate of waste by 2030.
Generating funds through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Cook County Equity Fund, along with additional support from The Recycling Partnership and beverage associations, the County is also making strides to provide residents with extensive recycling and composting services, President Preckwinkle and the DES has laid out the challenges but also the path to success in the updated 2024-2029 Cook County Solid Waste Management Plan which plans to tackle issues such as recycling contamination and education for residents on the recycling process, aiming to substantially lower the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill.
The mayors of the beneficiary villages have voiced gratitude, with Village of Posen’s Mayor Frank Podbielniak thanking the County for its generous help and Village of Phoenix’s Mayor Terry Wells acknowledging the importance of recycling in combating climate change, as detailed in their statements to the Cook County release. Republic Services, who will handle the program’s recycling collection, expressed excitement about enhancing their services and the associated environmental benefits. In tandem with these emerging curbside programs, Cook County has also introduced the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials at South Suburban College, broadening recycling access for additional materials.
For individuals or corporations interested in supporting such environmental endeavors, Cook County DES has provided contact information via
[email protected]
, and further information is available through the Cook County website at cookcountyil.gov/service/waste-reduction-and-recycling.
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