Flossmoor's Recyclepalooza Returns October 7

FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS — Area residents are invited to close out the summer season with a cleaning spree and to bring their recyclable items to Recyclepalooza from 9 a.m.-Noon on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Parker Junior High School Parking Lot (2810 School St., Flossmoor). The event is sponsored by the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission and Homewood Disposal.

To keep things running smoothly and efficiently, participants are encouraged to stay in their vehicle with items sorted by category, clearly marked, and placed in the trunk so volunteers can unload their items. Recyclable items this year include: electronics, metals, LEGOs, bicycles, pop tops, razors, eyeglasses, trophies, flags, sporting goods, ink/laser jet printers, bread tags, plastic gift cards, gently used clothes, new travel-size toiletries, small household items, gently used towels & blankets, mascara wands, ice skates & sleds, used oral care products & packaging, and television sets (there is a recycling fee of $20 per set).

"This is a great opportunity to responsibly clean out your home and garage and to make a difference in your community," says Stephanie Wright, Village of Flossmoor Community Engagement Manager. "Many recycled items are put to good use nearby and others help around the world."

For example, Wright explains that recycled bicycles are donated to Working Bikes, a not-for-profit organization that collects donated bicycles from the Chicago area and around the Midwest then puts them into the hands of people who need them as a source of transportation. Also, donated trophies are collected and given new life as prizes for games and competitions at a local assisted living facility. Donated ice skates and sleds will be collected and given to the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District to support its free skate and sled libraries in area parks.

New this year, members of the Village of Flossmoor Community Relations Commission will also be helping at Recyclepalozza, as they join with Homewood’s Anew Building Beyond Violence & Abuse to collect donations for its clients, as October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Needed supplies include new toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby diapers, baby wipes and gift cards. These can be labeled “Anew Donation” when brought to the event. For more information, please visit www.Flossmoor.orgor email Info@Flossmoor.org.