CHAMPAIGN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
702 Edgebrook Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
217-403-4780
[email protected]
WHERE DO I RECYCLE, DONATE, OR DISPOSE OF IT?
Click on the topic of interest below to expand the information box.
CALL THE LOCATIONS TO CONFIRM INSTRUCTIONS, FEES, AND HOURS.
Currently there are no known local options to recycle antifreeze. Antifreeze can be safely disposed of at IEPA-sponsored one-day HHW collection events or at long-term HHW facilities. (Champaign County is hosting a one-day HHW collection event on April 10, 2021.)
DONATION OPTIONS:
ISCU
*ISCU accepts WORKING appliances only for donation.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
119 E. University Ave., Champaign
217-359-0507
*The ReStore accepts WORKING appliances only, including microwaves
RECYCLING OPTIONS:
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
*Check Best Buy’s website for specific details about appliance recycling.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
*Call for acceptable items and fees ($)
(MICROWAVES are ACCEPTED for recycling)
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
*Call for acceptable items and fees ($)
(NO MICROWAVES ACCEPTED)
Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA)
44 E. Washington St., Champaign
217-359-7222
*Call for acceptable items
The I.D.E.A. Store
125 Lincoln Square, Urbana
217-352-7878
*Visit The I.D.E.A. Store’s website for more details.
Bill Smith Auto Parts
3405 N. Country View Rd., Urbana
217-367-5090
Mack’s Auto Recycling
1309 E. Kerr Ave., Urbana
217-367-6219
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
Additionally, Parkland College Automotive may accept automotive-related equipment and chemicals for their classes. Call to confirm.
Advance Auto Parts
*Multiple locations in Champaign and Urbana
AutoZone
*Multiple locations in Champaign and Urbana
Battery Specialists
133 Kenyon Rd., Champaign
217-352-0591
Interstate All Battery Center
2504 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign
217-355-4855
O’Reilly Auto Parts
1009 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign
217-352-1671
BATTERY RECYCLING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
Champaign Public Works Dept
702 Edgebrook Drive, Champaign
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The black/yellow drop-off bin is located inside the Public Works building lobby and is accessible during lobby hours.
5 Important Rules To Read Before You Drop Off Batteries:
1. Household quantities of batteries ONLY; batteries NOT accepted from schools, (commercial) businesses, institutions, etc.
2. NO loose batteries; please place batteries inside of a bag or box before you place them in the drop-off bin.
3. Mercury thermostats and thermometers can also be placed in this bin (clearly marked and inside of a sealed bag or box).
4. Please tape all rechargeable batteries and lithium batteries, including lithium button cell batteries. (No drill batteries please; you can bring those to the places below.) Alkaline (single-use) batteries, non-lithium button cell batteries, NiMH, NiCad, and Zinc Air do NOT need to be taped.
5. NO OTHER ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED!
Please refer to this guide for other local drop-off locations for Household batteries within Champaign County.
This program is coordinated by the Environmental Sustainability Specialist, 217-403-4780.
These locations accept rechargeable batteries only:
Battery Specialists
133 Kenyon Rd., Champaign
217-352-0591
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
Home Depot
820 Bloomington Rd., Champaign
217-356-2629 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, left side)
Interstate All Battery Center
2504 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign
217-355-4855
Lowe’s
1904 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-373-7300 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, to the right)
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
*Call first to confirm
UPS Store (Baytowne Shoppes)
907 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign
217-359-6233
See the “Commercial (Business) Recycling” tab.
Contact your solid waste hauler for disposal options. Or contact the following businesses to see what services they currently offer:
Henson Disposal
910 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-417-8788
* Open to the general public; $96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Republic Services
915 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-384-2274
* Open to the general public; $110 minimum disposal fee “for a pick up truck’s worth of stuff (up to a ton) and $301 for anything larger than a pick up truck.” (call to confirm price)
Call the locations to confirm instructions, fees, and hours.
Check with local organizations for donation options (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.) for old VHS movies and old music cassette tapes.
As of 10/27/21, this is the only/closest option we are aware of to recycle old VHS and/or cassette tapes:
Technology Recyclers
8401 E. Washington St., Indianapolis
*Call to confirm: 1-800-237-3887
The Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St., accepts donations of like-new (music) CDs and (movie) DVDs that are clean and in good condition.
Check with local organizations for donation options (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.)
Unfortunately, there are currently no local options for recycling CDs and DVDs.
Plastic Recycling Incorporated (Mail-in Program)
2015 S. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-780-6100
*Pay for shipping
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
Sprint Store
61 E. Marketview Dr., Champaign
217-398-8700
Target
2102 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-355-3325
Verizon Wireless
910 W. Town Center Blvd., Champaign
217-355-0942
See the “Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)” tab.
See the “Holiday String Lights” tab.
The following accept clothing, plus other items, for donation.
Call or check their websites for more information.
Direct Service Agencies:
Crisis Nursery
1309 W. Hill St., Urbana
217-337-2731
crisisnursery.net
Empty Tomb
301 N. 4th St., Champaign
217-356-2262
emptytomb.org
Salt & Light Ministries
1512 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign
1819 S. Philo Rd., Urbana
217-355-5654
saltandlightministry.org
Thrift Stores That Benefit Direct Service Agencies:
Connections
Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
217-384-2158
courageconnection.org
Goodwill
912 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign
217-359-8729
1201 Savoy Plaza Lane, Savoy
217-503-6076
llgi.org
Salvation Army
2212 N. Market St., Champaign
217-373-7825
salvationarmy.org
The City of Champaign does not have a commercial recycling program; however, several private haulers operating in the City of Champaign offer commercial recycling options to businesses. Businesses should contact one of those private haulers to set up recycling and obtain pricing for the service. Haulers set their own recycling collection rates. There are a variety of services offered by the different haulers, ranging from cardboard only collection to co-mingled collection.
Haulers That Offer Business Recycling Services in Champaign
(The following list is not intended to constitute company endorsements. Please call the haulers to confirm services.)
ABC Sanitary
217-356-0909
website: abcsanitary.com
GFL Environmental, Inc. (f/k/a Area Disposal Service & Peoria Disposal Company)
888-895-8696
website: gflenv.com/support/
Illini Recycling*
217-356-0648
website: illinirecycling.com
*Also a construction & demolition recycling facility.
*Also operates a public drop-off site.
Midwest Fiber Recycling
217-356-6094
website: midwest-fiber.com
Republic Services, a/k/a Allied Waste
217-367-2278
website: republicservices.com
Shaffer Sanitary
217-367-7119
website: shaffersanitary.com
For more information, contact the City’s Environmental Sustainability Specialist at 217-403-4780.
CFLs are accepted at the Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Visit the HHW online registration website for more information.
Home Depot
820 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign
217-356-2629 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, left side)
Lowe’s
1904 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-373-7300 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, to the right)
Lowe’s recycling bin
Springfield Electric
901 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign
217-351-7600
*Recycling fee ($) – Call for more information
Tepper Electric
608 S. Neil St., Champaign
217-356-3755
*Recycling fee ($) – Call for more information
Note: LED light bulbs, as well as standard (incandescent) light bulbs, do not contain mercury and can be safely disposed of in your garbage.
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. You can compost food scraps and yard waste at home.
To learn more about composting at home, you can visit these helpful websites:
https://www.npr.org/2020/04/07/828918397/how-to-compost-at-home
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
Information and a “How To” brochure is available by contacting:
University of Illinois Extension – Champaign County
801 N. Country Fair Drive, Suite D, Champaign
217-333-7672
website: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/materials.cfm
See the “CRT (tube) Computer Monitors” tab.
Mid-America Recycling
2906 N. Oak St., Urbana
217-840-2646
*Call for fees ($)
910 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-417-8788
* Open to the general public; $96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Republic Services’ transfer station
921 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-384-2274
* Open to the general public; $110 minimum disposal fee “for a pick up truck’s worth of stuff (up to a ton) and $301 for anything larger than a pick up truck.” (call to confirm price)
You should NEVER pour grease or oil down the drain. It can clog sewer pipes and nobody wants that! Keep in mind, you can reuse most oils several times; deep frying oil can be filtered and reused three or four times (more depending on the quality and your comfort). Bacon fat can also be filtered and stored in your refrigerator.
Unfortunately, the City of Champaign is not aware of any local recycling center that accepts cooking fats and oils. Some restaurants have grease disposal bins; perhaps they might allow you to dispose of your used oil in their bin.
Alternatively, after allowing used oil to cool, you can put it in a non-breakable container with a resealable lid and throw it out with the trash.
Click here or here to view more disposal options.
Click here to view disposal options for 5-gallons of cooking oil.
Goodwill
912 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign
217-359.8729
1201 Savoy Plaza Ln., Savoy
217-503-6076
Goodwill works with Dell Reconnect to recycle old electronics; as part of this program, they accept working and non-working CRT (tube) computer monitors at their stores FREE of charge. Drop off during regular store hours.
_______________________________________________________________________
Additionally, CRT (tube) computer monitors are accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
For recycling/donation options for flat screen computer monitors, see the “Electronics” tab.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
$20 fee
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
$free$ (call to confirm)
The City co-hosts a bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Event (typically in May and October). Residents are required to register in order to participate. For more details (including event dates), please visit the online registration website.
There are local recyclers that will accept your old electronics for drop off throughout the year. (Best Buy will accept certain sizes/types of TVs for recycling for a $29.99 fee. Best Buy is the ONLY establishment accepting TVs of any kind for recycling in the Champaign County area.) Please click on the following link for more information about where to recycle electronics year-round: Where Do I Recycle Unwanted Electronics Year-Round?
At the bi-annual collection events, there is a 4 TV limit per person; all sizes, types, & models of TV’s will be accepted, including CRT tube TV’s. There is a 7-item total limit. Please visit the online registration website for a complete list of accepted and non-accepted items.
City staff will continue to work with our government partners to find alternative methods and locations for recycling electronics (specifically TVs) and other items. Any questions can be directed to Nichole Millage at 217-403-4780.
As of January 1, 2012, local waste haulers no longer accept 17 categories of electronic items listed below with your regular trash collection, as these have been banned from Illinois landfills. For more information on the state ban, visit epa.state.il.us.
Electronic Items Banned from Illinois Landfills:
- Televisions
- Monitors
- Printers
- Computers (laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets)
- Electronic keyboards
- Facsimile (fax) machines
- Videocassette recorders (VCRs)
- Digital video disc players (DVD players)
- Digital video recorders (DVR)
- Video game consoles
- Small scale servers
- Scanners
- Electronic mice
- Digital converter boxes
- Cable receivers
- Satellite receivers
- Portable digital music players
Electronics were banned from Illinois landfills on January 2012. Many electronic products contain toxic lead, mercury, cadmium, and other materials that pose environmental and health risks that must be managed. Many electronic items contain metals, plastics, or leaded glass that can be recycled into basic commodities or products, and then re-marketed for re-use. The re-use of these components conserves natural resources and energy, and contributes to reduced air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Information on this page is subject to change.
Check with local organizations for donation options for WORKING exercise equipment (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, etc.).
Some local metal scrap recyclers will take exercise equipment containing metal. Please call in advance to ensure they will accept equipment.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
*Call for acceptable items
______________________________________________________________________
Exercise equipment is NOT accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
Check with local organizations for donation options for WORKING fans (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.).
If your fan does not work, you can take it to the following for recycling:
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
website: www.bestbuy.com/recycling
Fans are NOT accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
Illini Fire Equipment
2801 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-367-9521
Fluorescent tubes are accepted at the Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Visit the HHW online registration website for more information.
Springfield Electric
901 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign
217-351-7600*
*Call for fees ($)
Tepper Electric
608 S. Neil St., Champaign
217-356-3755*
*Call for fees ($)
Freon is accepted at IEPA One-Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events, including the HHW events held in Champaign County.
Additionally, Parkland College Automotive may accept freon for their classes. Call to confirm.
*If your furniture is not in good/reusable condition, you should contact your garbage hauler for disposal options.
Please consider donating good/reusable household items to the following organizations:
ISCU
ISCU will pick up items, including mattresses and box springs.
Goodwill
912 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign
217-359-8729
1201 Savoy Plaza Ln., Savoy
217-503-6076
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
119 E. University Ave., Champaign
217-355-6460
Salvation Army
2212 N. Market., Champaign
217-373-7832
The City does not enforce garbage/recycling hauler hours, i.e., there is no City ordinance regarding hauler hours so they can start collecting at whatever time they choose to do so. With that said, if you are having issues with noise or haulers being disruptive, you can contact the City’s Environmental Sustainability Specialist, Nichole Millage, at 217-403-4780 or send an email to [email protected].
Champaign City ordinance requires every household to sign up for weekly solid waste pick-up. All solid waste (trash, recyclables, etc.) collection in the City of Champaign is handled by private solid waste haulers who are licensed. Licenses are issued by the City Clerk. (Contact the haulers for pricing. There are currently FIVE solid waste haulers offering this service.) The haulers listed below can be found in the yellow pages and are currently licensed to haul in Champaign:
1. ABC Sanitary Hauling, 217-356-0909
2. GFL Environmental, Inc. (f/k/a Area Disposal Service, Inc.), 1-888-895-8696
Hayden Sanitary (acquired by GFL Environmental on 6/1/22)
3. Illini Recycling, 217-356-0648
4. Republic Services, 217-367-2278
5. Shaffer’s Sanitary Company, 217-367-7119
Waste Management (f/k/a Advanced Disposal) (divested by GFL Environmental on 6/1/22)
See the “Motor Oil & Gasoline” tab.
Food and beverage mixed glass containers (clear, flint, brown, and green) are accepted in the City’s single family curbside recycling program, as well as the City’s multifamily recycling program, Feed The Thing.
Unfortunately, there is currently no free public drop-off center (in Champaign-Urbana) that accepts glass. Residents who live outside of Champaign city limits and who want to recycle glass, should try contacting the available solid waste haulers in their area to see if they offer trash and recycling services that fit their needs.
See the “Plastic Grocery Bags” tab.
Check with local organizations for donation options (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, etc.).
If your hair styling tools or appliances (curling irons, hair dryers, and hair straighteners) do not work, they will accept them at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
See the “Solid Waste (Garbage) Haulers” tab.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling does not accept tanks of any kind UNLESS they have been sawed in half, i.e., Mack’s will not accept a helium tank that is only punctured; it has to be completely sawed in half. Please review info below regarding emptying and puncturing.
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
Mervis Recycling will accept a properly emptied and clearly punctured* helium tank for recycling (read info below). (It does not need to be sawed in half.)
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
*THE FOLLOWING TWO ONLINE RESOURCES ADDRESS ‘HOW TO PROPERLY EMPTY & PUNCTURE A HELIUM TANK’:
DONATION OPTIONS:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
119 E. University Ave., Champaign
217-355-6460
*Accepts only working string lights
RECYCLING OPTIONS:
Holiday string lights are accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
Mervis Recycling
2008 Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
The City co-hosts an annual One-Day IEPA-Sponsored Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event in Champaign County (typically held in April). These events are open to all State of Illinois residents; however, residents are required to register in order to participate. For more details (including event dates), please visit the online registration website. If you need assistance registering, please call 217-403-4780.
Unfortunately, there is no local permanent drop-off site for residents for HHW; however, there are long-term HHW collection sites in northern IL, as well as other events held in other counties.
Champaign County Environmental Stewards (CCES)
CCES is a non-profit community organization focused on providing safe and convenient disposal options to area residents for household materials that may pose potential health or environmental problems. For more information regarding CCES and their efforts, you can visit CCES’ Facebook page.
Long-Term HHW Collection Sites in Illinois
Long-term household hazardous waste collection sites are available in Naperville, Chicago, Rockford, and Lake County. Links to each site, which include accepted items and hours of operation, can be found by visiting the Illinois EPA Long-Term Collection Facility page. You can also visit that link to find information about one-day collections which are held periodically throughout the year in IEPA-selected communities.
Tips for Disposal of Paint
Staff receives numerous inquiries regarding paint disposal. Oil-based paint is accepted at the annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events, however, latex/water-based paint is NOT toxic, and therefore, it is NOT accepted at the HHW Collection Events. Latex/water-based paints can be disposed of by using the methods below:
- For excess amounts of paint (or paint thinner), the City recommends contacting school theatre departments to see if it can be used for props. (see info below)
- Paint (and paint thinner) can also be mixed with materials such as cat litter, sand, paint hardener or absorber, or poured onto newspaper and be allowed to dry. Once the paint (or paint thinner) has dried, all materials can be disposed of in the garbage. These methods work for latex and oil-based paints.
PAINT DONATION OPTIONS:
Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company will accept latex paint donations if the can is at least half full. Email ([email protected]) or call (217-352-4085) for more information.
Commercial HHW Disposal Regulations
Commercial organizations are covered by different regulations and should call the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for current disposal requirements.
Safer substitutes to many common household chemicals do exist. The US EPA’s Safer Choice website provides a searchable database of products which perform well and are safer for human health. Safer substitutes to many common household chemicals do exist.
See the “Furniture & Household Items” tab.
RECYCLING OPTIONS:
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
Office Depot
111 Convenience Center Rd., Champaign
217-373-5202
Staples
2005 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-373-8490
The City of Champaign offers FREE Yard Waste Collection twice a year to its residents; once in the spring and once in the fall. There is also a Christmas Tree collection provided in January.
For more information and guidelines, please visit the City’s Yard Waste Collection webpage.
Did you miss the free yard waste collection? Here are some alternative options:
Landscape Recycling Center
1210 E. University Ave., Urbana
217-344-LEAF (5323)
*Call for fees ($)
Some solid waste haulers also provide yard waste collection services for an additional fee. Check with your solid waste (trash) hauler for more information.
See the “Automotive (Bodies & Parts) / Small Engines’ tab.
See the “Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)” tab.
ISCU:
ISCU will pick up GOOD condition mattresses and box springs (as well as other reusable/good condition household items).
Empty Tomb:
If you live in Champaign, Urbana, or Savoy, arrangements can be made to pick up mattresses and box springs that are in GOOD condition by calling Empty Tomb (301 N. 4th St., Champaign) at 217-356-2262. If you live elsewhere, they ask that you call before loading up to deliver to Empty Tomb.
If your mattress is not in good/reusable condition, one option is to contact your garbage hauler for disposal options.
Another alternative, if it is in good/reusable condition, try using social media to sell it or give it away.
Click here for additional options for mattress disposal.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, including controlled substances, pet medications, vitamins and supplements, are accepted at the following locations:
Carle Foundation Hospital
Lobby off Orchard St., Urbana
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
1400 W. Park St., Urbana
Main lobby 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Retail Pharmacies
Several retail pharmacies (e.g., Walgreens on Springfield & Mattis, Meijer in Champaign & Urbana, etc.) offer this service, to find the one closest to you visit Safe.Pharmacy
There is also a lot of useful information on unwantedmeds.org.
No need to remove the labels; the medications are secured and then incinerated.
Needles, sharps, or syringes are not accepted; for disposal options, see the “Sharps/Needle Disposal” tab.
Bring your household mercury thermostat (and thermometers!) to Champaign Public Works to be recycled for FREE! We accept all brands of wall-mounted, mercury-switch thermostats or sensors. (Mercury liquid or other mercury products are not accepted!)
Champaign Public Works
702 Edgebrook Drive, Champaign
Drop-off bin available in the front lobby:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed for holidays)
This program is coordinated by the Environmental Sustainability Specialist, 217-403-4780.
DONATION OPTIONS:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore*
119 E. University, Champaign
*Accepts WORKING microwaves ONLY
RECYCLING OPTIONS:
Mack’s Twin City Recycling**
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
**Microwaves accepted for recycling for FREE! (call to confirm)
_______________________________________________________________________
Microwaves are also accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
These businesses occasionally accept old motor oil and/or gasoline for recycling:
Advance Auto Parts
AutoZone
Illini Oil Change
Jiffy Lube
Speed Lube
Walmart Supercenter Tire & Lube Express
However, if none of them are currently accepting old motor oil and/or gasoline, then residents have the following options: (1) utilize one of the four long-term Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facilities in northern IL or (2) hang on to your old motor oil/gasoline until Champaign County is selected by the IEPA to host a one-day HHW collection event.
See the “Sharps/Needle Disposal” tab.
Call these businesses to confirm that they still accept packing peanuts:
Mail & Parcel Plus
2206 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign
217-359-6245
UPS Store (Baytowne Shoppes)
907 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign
217-359-6233
PAINT DONATION OPTIONS:
Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company will accept latex paint donations if the can is at least half full. Email ([email protected]) or call (217-352-4085) for more information.
PAINT DISPOSAL OPTIONS:
Staff receives numerous inquiries regarding paint disposal. Oil-based paint is accepted at the annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events, however, latex/water-based paint is NOT toxic, and therefore, it is NOT accepted at the HHW Collection Events. Latex/water-based paints can be disposed of by using the methods below:
To solidify paint:
- Remove paint can lids
- Add an absorbent (such as shredded paper, sand, kitty litter, or paint hardener) or pour the paint onto newspaper
- Allow to completely dry in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from children, pets, and ignition sources
- Once dry, dispose solidified paint and can in the regular household garbage
See the “Shred Events” tab.
See the “Medication Disposal” tab.
Phone: 217.403.4780
Email: [email protected]
However, if you have plastic bags that need to be recycled, it is best to return them to retail supermarkets that offer a Store Drop-Off Collection Bin:
County Market
Lowe’s
Meijer
Schnucks
Walmart
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For curbside recycling (single family residences), some solid waste haulers will accept plastic bags for recycling; check with your hauler to confirm.
Plastic bags are accepted in the City of Champaign’s Multifamily Recycling Program, Feed The Thing.
See the “Medication Disposal” tab.
Hicksgas Urbana*
2201 E. University Ave., Urbana
217-367-5456
– Only accepts 20 lb. grill tanks ($5 recycling fee)
– $20 to refill 20 lb. grill tanks
Small propane bottles (1 lb.) can be safely thrown away once empty; they cannot refill them.
Additionally, Mack’s Twin City Recycling and Mervis Recycling will accept propane tanks that have been completely emptied, punctured, and sawed in half. See videos under “Helium Tanks” tab for instructions on how to properly empty and puncture a tank.
910 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-417-8788
* Open to the general public; $96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Republic Services’ transfer station
921 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-384-2274
* Open to the general public; $110 minimum disposal fee “for a pick up truck’s worth of stuff (up to a ton) and $301 for anything larger than a pick up truck.” (call to confirm price)
The City of Champaign encourages residents to utilize reusable bags whenever possible. The City will even provide you with a free reusable canvas bag! You can contact the City’s Environmental Sustainability Specialist for more details.
Phone: 217.403.4780
Email: [email protected]
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
217-328-2100
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-7696
Drop-Off Options:
Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle’s South Clinic, Urbana on Windsor, Champaign Surgery Center, and Champaign on Curtis.
Click here for more information.
Home Disposal Option:
Place used needles and other sharps into a puncture-resistant plastic container, such as a laundry detergent container, and tightly secure the lid before disposing into your household garbage.
Household Mail-Back Program:
GRP & Associates, Inc.
1-800-207-0976
E-mail: [email protected]
MedPro Waste Disposal
1-888-641-6131
Republic Services
217-367-2278
The City of Champaign does not currently have any paper shredding events planned. However, there are typically several year-round options available in the Champaign County area:
(1) Busey Bank offers Shred Day Events throughout the year.
(2) Champaign County Crime Stoppers typically hosts annual shred and drug collection events in the spring (April/May) and fall (September/October).
(3) The University of Illinois Community Credit Union typically hosts an annual Shred-A-Palooza event in April.
First Alert, Radioactive Waste (Mail-in Program)
(Only if it is a First Alert Detector)
780 McClure Rd.,
Aurora, IL 60504
800-323-9005 (Call for more information)
*If you have a detector not made by First Alert, contact the manufacturer for recycling options.
JMAC Supply (Mail-in Program, all manufacturer detectors)
Attn: Recycle
JMAC Supply
333 W. Merrick Rd., Unit 4
Valley Stream, NY 11580
516-812-0917
Other Manufacturers (Mail-in Programs)
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2012/pb22334/html/cover_025.htm
Champaign City ordinance requires every household to sign up for weekly solid waste pick-up. All solid waste collection in the City of Champaign is handled by private solid waste haulers. There are currently five commercial haulers that provide residential solid waste removal services in Champaign. Burning and the accumulation of garbage are prohibited in Champaign.
Solid waste haulers can also be found in the yellow pages in the phone book under “Garbage & Rubbish Removal.” Materials can also be taken to the Solid Waste Transfer Station located at 915 W. Saline Dr. in Urbana. The transfer station’s phone number is 217-384-2274. There is a drop-off fee for all materials.
(PLEASE NOTE: there are separate tabs for “Bubble Wrap” & “Packing Peanuts“.)
Dart Corporation
1505 E. Main St., Urbana
(Go east to Lierman Ave. – drop off site is at ‘Shipping Dept.’ entrance. The drop-off is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
- Make sure foam has the #6 recycling chasing arrow on it
- Accepts a wide variety of recyclable foam, including foam cups, foam egg cartons, foam meat trays, foam ice chests, and foam packaging that is frequently used to protect fragile materials such as TVs during shipping
- Only CLEAN (rinsed and wiped) food/beverage or block foam accepted (no packing peanuts)
- Remove straws, lids, tape, or any other non-foam material
- Deposit foam into clear translucent bags provided onsite, tie securely, and place bag in wheel cart
For more information, call Doug Sharp at 217-721-2196 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
ALL televisions are accepted for free at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events. Listed below are the limited year-round options for donation and recycling:
DONATION OPTIONS:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
119 E. University Ave., Champaign
217-355-6460
Accepts ONLY flat panel GOOD CONDITION, WORKING televisions for donation; NO CRT (tube) televisions accepted. Flat panel TVs are TVs that can be mounted on the wall.
Salt & Light
1512 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign
1819 S. Philo Rd., Urbana
217-355-5654
Accepts ONLY flat panel GOOD CONDITION, WORKING televisions for donation; NO CRT (tube) televisions accepted. Flat panel TVs are TVs that can be mounted on the wall.
RECYCLING OPTIONS:
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
Accepts only tube TVs up to 32″, flat panel TVs: LCD, Plasma, & LED up to 50″, portable TVs, FOR A $29.99 FEE.
Illini FS
1509 E. University Ave., Urbana
217-384-8307
*Call for fees ($)
Kirby’s Firestone Service Center
303 W. Main St., Urbana
217-367-6362
*Call for fees ($)
Tire Barn Warehouse
806 Bloomington Rd., Champaign
217-351-8473
*Call for fees ($)
Tommy House Tire Company
707 Bloomington Rd., Champaign
217-351-4159
*Call for fees ($)
See the “Garbage/Recycling Haulers (& Hours)” tab.
Dillman Brothers
3509 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana
217-344-8290
*Call first. FREE drop-off of clean residential vinyl siding (no garbage or other materials) during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Check with local organizations for donation options for WORKING vacuum cleaners (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, etc.).
If your vacuum cleaner does not work, you can take it here for recycling:
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
217-352-8883
website: www.bestbuy.com/recycling
They accept only broom/stick vacuums, robot vacuums, and upright/canister vacuums. They do not accept wet/dry vacuums. Limit three items per household per day. Recycling is intended for residents only. Products from businesses and organizations, or items that present a health or safety hazard, are not accepted.
Vacuums are NOT accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection Events.
Check with local organizations for donation options (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt & Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.) for old VHS movies and old music cassette tapes.
As of 10/27/21, this is the only/closest option we are aware of to recycle old VHS and/or cassette tapes:
Technology Recyclers
8401 E. Washington St., Indianapolis
*Call to confirm: 1-800-237-3887
910 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-417-8788
* Open to the general public; $96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Republic Services’ transfer station
921 Saline Ct., Urbana
217-384-2274
* Open to the general public; $110 minimum disposal fee “for a pick up truck’s worth of stuff (up to a ton) and $301 for anything larger than a pick up truck.” (call to confirm price)
Menards*
620 W. Town Center Blvd., Champaign
217-359-6100
*CALL first to confirm, as their policy might have changed.
Other possible disposal/giveaway options:
1. Contact your solid waste hauler for disposal/cost options.
2. You can try the free online group: Freecycle You can register on this site, offer the wooden pallet(s) to others in Champaign-Urbana, and see if there’s any takers!
3. Maybe Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County is in need of some wooden pallets. You should give them a call first at 217-359-0507.
4. You can also try Craiglist: Champaign-Urbana under the “for sale” category, select “free”.
See “Landscape/Yard Waste Material” tab.