A new recycling project has recently opened for local businesses to utilize. Recycle Springfield is a commercial, recycling project that is facilitated by the Green Business Network of Springfield (GBNS), a local not for profit created to promote commercial sustainability. DTK, LLC, a co-worker with GBNS in Recycle Springfield, is processing traditional recyclables at the corner of 11th and Madison streets in Springfield. Utilizing SPARC workers as part of their crew to sort and consolidate materials, DTK offers free collection of a full range of recyclables from places of business in and around the city. Acceptable materials include: cardboard, mixed paper of all types, used dry cell batteries (place in a sealed, plastic bag), plastic and aluminum beverage containers, steel cans and scrap, wood pallets and more. Residents may also use the DTK site to drop off their recyclables, 7:30 – 5:30, seven days a week.

To request more information about Recycle Springfield, DTK or find out how you can get started recycling at work, call 836-5000 or visit the GBNS at www.gbns.org. GBNS also offers a Sustainability Certification Program for its members through an online forum and database to record sustainable businesses practices. Access their website, enter data for your company and check your sustainability score today.

                                           Electronics Banned from Garbage

Effective January 1, 2012, most consumer electronics will be banned from Illinois landfills, meaning they can no longer be placed in the trash. The list of banned items includes:

Televisions                                                             

Cable Receivers and Satellite Receivers

Monitors                                                                     

Digital Converter Boxes

Printers                                                                        

Small Scale Servers

Scanners                                                                            

Video Game Consoles

Electronic Mice                                                             

Digital Video Disc Recorders

Computers (incl. tablet computers)                

Facsimile Machines

Videocassette Recorders                                           

Electronic Keyboards

Portable Digital Music Players

Fortunately, we have several electronics recycling options in Springfield, including some new opportunities that support local non-profit agencies. Whether from your business or your home, please plan to recycle your electronic items at the following locations:

 Habitat for Humanity accepts all computers and related equipment, as well as televisions, cameras, stereos, VCRs and other electronics. This is made possible by arrangement with Vintage Tech Recyclers of Illinois. See Habitat’s website at: www.habitatsangamon.com and click on News/Events.

 Goodwill accepts all used computers and related equipment such as monitors, hard drives, software, printers, and ink and toner cartridges through a program with Dell Reconnect. See their website: www.llgi.org.

 Ronald McDonald House now accepts printer cartridges and cell phones for recycling, which supports their mission. See details of this program at www.rmhc-centralillinois.org.

 BLH Computers of Springfield accepts from residents or businesses any and all types of electronics of any age, in any condition, for recycling. See their website at: http://www.blhcomputers.com.

 ComputerBanc is a local non-profit organization that refurbishes and provides computers to children with learning disabilities and families in need, helping to close the “digital divide”. See their website at: http://computerbanc.org.

DROPOFF OPENED

 Just in time for the holiday season the Green Business Network of Springfield (GBNS) is announcing the immediate opening of a drop-off site for cardboard and wrapping paper.  The drop-off, which will be available year round for a wide range of materials, is open Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays 8:00 AM to Noon.  Located at the former Sid & Son Scrap Yard on the corner of 11^th and Madison Streets access is from Madison Street.

 The drop-off is open to both the general public and commercial businesses.  The 11^th and Madison Street location is also the site of the Recycle Springfield Project recycling center which opened this past summer.  This near downtown location is an enhancement to area recycling efforts and compliments other recycling drop-offs around Springfield.

Recycle Springfield is a free recycling service targeted at small to medium sized businesses, but available to anyone without good recycling alternatives. The project partners with SPARC for labor and will use a portion of profits from the project to eventually provide funds for recycling other, more costly materials (e.g., florescent light bulbs, styrofoam, glass).

Cardboard, paper, dry cell batteries, and all forms of plastic are among a wide array of items that that are now being routed to Recycle Springfield.  For more details on this free service or specific items being accepted please call the number below.  This project is one of several sustainability efforts being coordinated by the GBNS; which is comprised of a number of local businesses, including founding members: Bunn-O-Matic, Hanson Professional Services, Bank of Springfield, and R W Troxell.

Interested businesses can call 836-5000 or visit the GBNS website at www.gbns.com for more information about this and other GBNS projects.