Come to the Green Side

Wondering how to get rid of those old answering machines, personal computers or electric typewriters?  Any resident who lives in Hoffman Estates or Elk Grove Village is eligible to participate in an at home pick-up program for computer and electronic equipment.  For a small fee of $25 via credit card, the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) will arrange to have a maximum of six items picked up from your home per pick-up.  Click here to arrange a pick-up and for further details on which items are considered accepatable.

In a pilot program the U.S. Postal Service is providing free mailers that allow customers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge. Customers use free envelopes found in 1,500 Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players – without having to pay for postage.

The free, postage-paid Mail Back envelopes can be found on displays in Post Office lobbies. There is no limit to the number of envelopes customers may take.

Local post offices that carry the envelopes are Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

Garage sales are an easy way to recycle your belongings and keep them out of a landfill.  It’s also a great way to get more bang for your buck–whether you’re the buyer or the seller!  

 The Village of Schaumburg publishes a list of upcoming Garage Sales.   Look for one near you.