Will County officials announced on April 2 that the annual “Recyclepalooza” event will return to Joliet this spring, offering residents a free opportunity to recycle or responsibly dispose of unwanted items. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and marks the beginning of Will County’s Spring recycling season.
The initiative aims to encourage responsible waste management and support community clean-up efforts. “Recyclepalooza is the perfect ‘Spring Cleaning’ event, with a long list of recycling or donation opportunities at a convenient, drive-up,” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. She also said that Will County residents are invited to attend various free collection days over the next two months hosted by the Resource Recovery and Energy Division.
The drive-up collection is organized by the Will County Resource Recovery and Energy Division and is open to all people living in communities fully or partially within Will County. Accepted items include electronics, household chemicals, hazardous materials, batteries, clothing, wood, small home goods, toys, cookware and more. There are specific limits per vehicle: three televisions (TVs), fifteen light bulbs and fifteen gallons of paint.
To help manage traffic flow and reduce wait times at Recyclepalooza events, appointments are required. Residents can schedule their drop-off time online at www.willcountygreen.com; further details about location will be provided after making an appointment.
In addition to Recyclepalooza activities this spring, local data show that education remains an important aspect of life in Will County. The average student-to-teacher ratio was reported as 14-to-1 in the 2022-23 school year among more than 102,000 students across county schools according to state education data. Teacher absenteeism rates reached nearly 39 percent during that period—higher than Illinois’ statewide average as reported by state sources.
Diversity in enrollment was notable across area high schools: Lockport Township High School East had the highest number of white students enrolled with over 2,600; Bolingbrook High School recorded the most multiracial students at over 150; Joliet Central High School had more than 2,300 Hispanic students; while Crete-Monee High School led in Black student enrollment with over 900 according to state reports.
County officials plan additional recycling events throughout spring as part of ongoing environmental efforts.
