Recycle Fluorescent Tubes, Styrofoam, Electronics, Batteries

On Saturday, July 12th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

Electronics, such as computers, televisions, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. Become a new member of EDMC at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!

There are also three FREE drop off sites for electronics:  Algonquin Township Road District 3702 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, 847-639-2700 X6, Computer Recycling Center in Crystal Lake, 815-455-6300 (call for information) and Lakewood's electronics drop-off site at 6570 Haligus Road, south of Ballard Rd.

You can donate aluminum cans at both the McHenry and Woodstock drives, but the Defenders will no longer be paying for them. The donation will help fund our educational and advocacy programs.

EDMC has recently added a new aspect to their monthly recycling collection:  USAgain Clothes Collection System (http://www.usagain.com) will be providing a truck at each drive to accept any kind of cloth items—clothing, linens, or just plain rags, clean and preferably put into a bag.  They will also accept shoes, tied together by their laces and placed in the bag. 

Defenders recycling drives are held on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone Alice at 815-385-8512 or the Defender office at 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Got Stuff?

You can donate those unwanted and unused items to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

In preparation for their spring Use-It-Again garage sale, the organization will be taking donations of gently used items on Saturday, April 28 and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 30 – May 2, from 11 am until 3 pm, at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive back to the beige garage on the right).

What type of things will be accepted?

Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions: small appliances & electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances.

 Not sure if they’ll take it? Call the office at 815-338-0393, or email mcdef@owc.net.

“Reusing items is a Good Thing on many levels – you are keeping things out of the landfills, you are saving the energy & resources that would be have been used to create new items, and you are supporting a McHenry County non-profit,” said EDMC’s office administrator.

Sale dates for the garage sale are May 3^rd through 5^th, from 8am until 3pm.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Recycling Collection Next Saturday

On Saturday, April 14^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them. The Defenders are here to fill this need. Electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, are accepted at their monthly drives. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $25-$35.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive also accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Electronic Recycling Day -- Saturday

On Saturday, March 10^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them. The Defenders are here to fill this need.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation. At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Annual Used Book Sale Begins Wednesday, February 1

The Environmental Defenders will hold their annual Cabin Fever Used Book Sale at the Woodstock Square Mall, 110 S Johnson St, lower level, starting February 1^st through February 4^th from 11 am - 4 pm, with an 8 am opening on Groundhog Day - Stop in after Woodstock Willie’s prognostication on February 2^nd! Saturday will be a Bag Sale.

For over 40 years, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County has been a leader in encouraging re-use and recycling practices throughout McHenry County. Each year, the Woodstock-based nonprofit holds several sales of good-quality used books, tapes, videos, and software that have been donated by area libraries and private citizens. All items are sold at extremely low prices to keep them in use and out of landfills. All proceeds go to support the environmental programs and services offered by the Defenders.

The winter book sale offers flea-market prices on thousands of top authors and best-selling novels, biographies, sports, travel and adventure books, self-help titles, cookbooks and crafts, philosophy and religion, business guides, computer manuals, and much more.

Book donations can always be made (even after the sale ends) at the drop box in front of the Woodstock Square Mall or at the Defenders’ “Green Spot” used book store, located on the first floor of the building, during regular hours.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Recycling Event For Electronics, Batteries, Styrofoam

On Saturday, January 14th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry.

The Defenders expect a “glut” of electronics to be brought to their recycling drives this year. As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.

This newest phase includes individual citizens in the effort to keep electronics, which contain a variety of potentially toxic contaminants, out of the state’s 48 active landfills. The metals, which include gold, cadmium, lead and silver, can threaten groundwater if landfilled. However, when the metals are reused, it eliminates some of the need for mining new supplies and can also be valuable resources when reclaimed. Recycling other metals such as aluminum from scrap or cans has the same benefits. The Defenders recycled over 1.25 tons of aluminum in 2011.

Always ahead of the game and staying on top of recycling issues, the Defenders began recycling electronics years ago. Their monthly drives collected 27,568 pounds in 2011. They also began a successful program of recycling block Styrofoam and collected 14,488 cubic feet of it last year. Another item, car batteries, can leak acid which will effect the environment. The Defenders collected 3500 pounds of them in 2011 and made sure they were safely recycled. 

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation. At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393

Books, Books and More At Defenders' Annual Fall Book Sale

You’ll find great deals on high-quality used books, videos and more at the Defenders’ annual Big Fall Book Sale, set for September 23^rd through October 1^st at the Algonquin Township Garage, 3702 US Route 14 between Crystal Lake and Cary. Drive straight back to last garage on the right.

The sale is open from 10 am- 6 pm daily (closed Sunday). Books will be priced as marked inside the cover the first Friday and Saturday. Prices will drop to $2 for hardcovers and $1 for paperbacks starting Monday, September 26^th. The last day of the sale, Saturday, October 1^st will be ½ price day - $1 for hardcovers and 50¢ for paperbacks!

For over 40 years, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County has been a leader in encouraging re-use and recycling practices throughout McHenry County. Each September, the Woodstock-based nonprofit holds its Big Fall Book Sale of good-quality used books, tapes, videos, and software that have been donated by area libraries and private citizens. All items are sold at extremely low prices to keep them in use and out of landfills. All proceeds go to support the environmental programs and services offered by the Defenders.

This year’s book sale offers flea-market prices on thousands of top authors and best-selling novels, biographies, sports, travel and adventure books, self-help titles, cookbooks and crafts, philosophy and religion, business guides, computer manuals, and much more. There is also a huge selection of good-quality children’s books for all ages and reading levels.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Study of McHenry County Groundwater System

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are providing assistance to the Illinois State Water Survey in a study of the County’s groundwater system.

In the 1990’s the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) conducted a study in which the water level in about 600 McHenry County wells was measured. The wells, mostly residential, were located throughout the county and were individually visited by ISWS staff who measured the water level in each well. This data enabled the ISWS to map the water levels in our sand and gravel aquifers and resulted in the publication, in 1998, of a landmark study titled “Groundwater Studies for Environmental Planning, McHenry County Illinois” by Scott Meyer. This study greatly increased the understanding of the county’s groundwater resources and served as the basis for much of the later research into the County’s groundwater supply, including that used in preparation of the County’s current Water Resources Action Plan.

Now, the County and the ISWS are in the process of updating the Meyer study. This update will show what changes have occurred in groundwater levels during the past 17 –21 years, and will also enable verification of recent groundwater flow modeling techniques.

To develop the new data, ISWS staff must re-measure the water levels in as many of the 600 previously measured wells as possible.  The measurement is free and can be performed with or without the homeowner present, depending on their preference.  It will take about 15 minutes during which ISWS staff will remove the cap of the well, lower a disinfected steel measuring tape, calculate the water depth, reattach the well cap and replace rusted nuts and bolts as needed. 

The ISWS needs to secure permission from well owners, which is a very time consuming process as people have moved and phone numbers have changed. The Environmental Defenders have volunteered to contact well owners to secure permission for ISWS to measure water levels.

Defenders members are telephoning or hand delivering messages to addresses that previously had well levels measured. For more information, please contact the Defenders’ office at 815-338-0393 or at mcdef@owc.org.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.

Used Books For Sale Thursday Thru Saturday

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will hold their June Used Book Sale Thursday, June 9th through Saturday, June 11th , from 11 am until 4 pm. The sale will be downstairs at the Woodstock Square Mall building,

110 S Johnson Street

, on the west side of the Square in Woodstock. The sale will include over 1500 good-quality used books for all ages and interests.

Books are priced at $2 for hardcovers, $1 for paperbacks, and 25¢ for children’s books. On Saturday, all books will be $3 per plastic grocery bag.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit the programs and operations of the Environmental Defenders.

Got books? The Defenders take book donations all year long during regular business hours at the office or at the Defenders' Green Spot resale store on the first floor of the Woodstock Square Mall, or at anytime in their outdoor donation drop box on the south side of the building at 110 S. Johnson Street.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen-based, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment.  The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation.  For more information, contact the Defenders…..

• by email at mcdef@owc.net,
• by phone at 815-338-0393, or
• on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders

Environmental Scholarship Available

 Each year, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County awards a scholarship to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to his/her schoolwork, the community, and the environment.

The applicant must be a resident of McHenry County, and the following must be included with the application:

•  Documentation of volunteer work for an environmental organizatio
• Two letters of recommendation, with one being from a high school teacher 
•  Grade point average from high school transcript
•  An essay on student’s goals and aspirations in regard to the environment

An application can be picked up at the Defenders’ office,

110 S Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL

, or downloaded from the Defenders’ website http://www.mcdef.org/Community_Scholarship_Application.pdf.

Completed applications must be received in the office of the Defenders by May 9, 2011. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please call the office at 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Used Books For Sale on Woodstock Square

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) will hold their Winter Used Book Sale during the week of Woodstock’s Groundhog Days celebration, from Wednesday, January 26 through Wednesday, February 2 at the downtown Woodstock Square Mall.

The week-long sale will include over 5,000 good-quality used books for all ages and interests, at prices ranging from 50 cents to $ 5.00 each. Discounted “bag sale” prices will be offered on the final two days of the sale.

The sale schedule will run as follows:

Regular sale prices are in effect

From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 26-27

From 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28,

From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, January 29.

The sale will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 30.

Monday, Jan. 31 is “Buy one, get one free” day from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For each book purchased, shoppers may choose another book of equal or lesser value, free of charge.

Tuesday, February 1

A $5-per-bag sale will run from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday, February 2

A $3-per-bag sale will be held from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.- also Groundhog Day.

The last day of the sale will begin shortly after the Groundhog Prognostication Ceremony that is held each year at 7 a.m. on the Woodstock Square.

The Defenders’ Winter Used Book Sale will be held in Room 210 on the second floor of the Woodstock Square Mall, which is located at 110 S. Johnson Street on the west side of the square (The former McHenry County Courthouse.)

Free, live folk music will be provided on several days of the sale, courtesy of Don Humbertson and members of the nonprofit Off Square Music organization. Scheduled performances include:

 Friday, Jan. 28: 6 - 7:30 p.m., Kishwaukee Ramblers.

 Saturday, Jan. 29: 10 a.m., J.W. Rice; 11 a.m., Kent Fishburn & Debbie Firak; noon, Guyz with Bad Eyez; 3 p.m., Andy Andrick and Friends.

 Wednesday, Feb. 2: 8 a.m. Keith & Judy; 9 a.m., Judson and Judy Brown; 10 a.m. - noon, Kishwaukee Ramblers.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit the programs and operations of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Got books to donate? Donations for the sale may be dropped off from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. every Monday - Saturday at the Defenders’ Green Spot resale store on the first floor of the Woodstock Square Mall, or at anytime in their outdoor donation drop box on the west side of the building at 110 S. Johnson Street.