Madison County to host its 27th year of Christmas Tree Recycling
Effective 12/1/23
In coordination with Madison County Building & Zoning, townships and municipalities throughout the county are providing 31 drop-off sites for residents to dispose of their Christmas trees.
The Christmas Tree Recycling Program has operated successfully for the past 27 years in Madison County. The recycled trees are chipped into mulch and used in public gardens and parks across the community.
Rather than toss the tree in the trash, take it to a recycling location. Trees will be accepted from Dec. 26 through Jan. 14, 2024. All lights and ornaments must be removed prior to drop-off. Pine wreaths, pine roping, or other landscape waste is prohibited.
View list of Recycling Locations.
Holiday Recycling Guide
During the holidays, the average American throws away about 25% more waste. That additional waste can make a significant impact on landfill use. Click here to view and download our quick and easy guide to help slash extra trash this holiday season.
Download the recycling guide above by clicking here.
Curbside Recycling 101
Residential curbside recycling is a service offered by many municipalities in Madison County. Although it is mostly straightforward, misinformation and unclear labeling can cause confusion. Use the tips and guidelines below to help ensure effective recycling practices and cut down on contamination by non-recyclable items.
What Can Be Recycled Through Madison County Curbside Pick-Up?
Click here to download an easy reference sheet for what can be recycled in Madison County, or refer to the guide below.
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Paper
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Plastics
- Plastics #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #7 plastic containers
- Includes bottles, jars, jugs, and other rigid plastics
- Food and beverage cartons
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Cans
- Aluminum and metal cans
- Loose jar lids
- Metal bottle caps
- Aluminum foil
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Glass
- Glass bottles
- Loose jar lids
- Metal bottle caps
- Aluminum foil
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Please, no plastic bags, napkins, styrofoam, or food waste. |
Common Recycling Myths
Myth: If an item has a recycling symbol, I can place it in my curbside bin.
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Fact: An item's ability to be recycled depends on whether or not your local waste hauler has the means to recycle it. Just because it can be recycled somewhere doesn't mean it is recyclable in Madison County.
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Myth: If I'm unsure whether or not an item can be recycled, I'll place it in the bin and the waste hauler can sort it out.
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Fact: Non-recyclable items are considered contamination. Rising percentages of contamination may prevent haulers and recycling facilities from accepting materials in the future.
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Myth: If plastic bags cannot be placed in curbside recycling, they must be thrown in the trash. |
Fact: Although plastic bags can't be placed in curbside bins, they are completely recyclable. Click here to find a plastic bag drop-off location near you. |
Where can I recycle...
Batteries?
CJD E-Cycling and Batteries Plus Bulbs offers recycling of a variety of battery types. There may be a nominal per-pound fee for recycling services.
Electronics?
CJD E-Cycling, located in Edwardsville and East Alton, accepts most electronics, as well as bulbs and batteries. Flat screen TVs are accepted. Some televesions may be charged a fee, depending on size and model of television. Visit CJD-E-Cycling for more information by clicking here.
Household Chemicals?
Household chemicals such as oil-based paint, thinners and strippers, yard chemicals, hobby chemicals, gas, antifreeze, and motor oil are considered hazardous and should not be included with trash or disposed of in drains. Madison County holds periodic household hazardous waste collections. Please click here to view upcoming events.
Latex Paint?
Latex paint is not considered a hazardous waste, because it is water-based. As long as the paint in the can is dry, it can be thrown away in your regular trash bin. If there is still liquid paint inside the can, speed along the drying process by leaving the lid off or by adding shredded newspaper or clay cat litter. Once everything is dry, you can put the lid on and throw the can away. Click here for an instructional video.
Medications?
The Madison County Sheriff's Department maintains a 24-hour, 7-day-per-week drop-off location for unwanted prescription and over-the-counter prescription medicine inside its entrance. The Sheriff's office is located at 405 Randle Street in Edwardsville.
Plastic Bags and Wraps?
Plastic bags, wraps, and film (plastics that do not hold their shape) are common culprits for contaminating curbside recycling. Increasing rates of contamination by non-recyclables can cause haulers to charge more or refuse recycling hauls.
Madison County has many locations for recycling plastic bags. Area Lowes, Target, Kohl's, and Wal-Mart stores typically accept bags. Please check directly with your local store to determine policy changes duirng COVID-19.
Shoes?
ShoeCrew Water Projects works to keep wearable, usable shoes from local landfills and directs them to secondary markets. Proceeds are used to provide wells, filters, and other access to clean water in developing countries.
Many schools and churches throughout Madison County offer drop-off locations. ShoeCrew also maintains a database of drop-off locations here.
Textiles and Old Clothing?
UsAgain operates over 12,000 textile collection bins for clothing and textiles. Several bins are located in Madison County. Click to visit their website and bin locator.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Hardware stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot usually offer a "take back" option for fluorescent light bulbs. It is recommended to call your nearest location for confirmation.
https://www.lowes.com/