91,866 tons of municipal solid waste were recycled in McLean County in 2015, representing more waste materials recycled than any time in the past six years. Unfortunately total waste generated and landfilled also increased, so the overall recycling rate remained close to the 2014 rate.
While minor fluctuations in the recycling rate have occurred over the past several years especially during the economic recession, McLean County hovers close to, but not reaching the community-wide recycling goal of 40%. This goal is established within the McLean County Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which is updated every five years.
In addition to striving to meet the established goal, making additional progress in source reduction and further increased recycling is becoming increasingly important as it is estimated that only about one year of capacity remains in the McLean County Landfill. Upon closure of the landfill, waste will need to be transported farther from Bloomington-Normal, which is anticipated to increase costs. Delaying the inevitable landfill closure through more assertive waste management strategies can help save local financial resources.
McLean County Waste and Recycling Rates 2011-2015
| Year | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total MSW Recycled (tons) | 71,099 | 66,737 | 73,833 | 85,196 | 91,866 |
| Total MSW Landfilled (tons) | 136,927 | 116,290 | 121,991 | 141,068 | 159,989 |
| Total Municipal Solid Waste Generated (tons) | 208,026 | 183,079 | 195,824 | 226,264 | 251,855 |
| Percent Change from Previous Year | -3.2% | -12.0% | 7.0% | 15.5% | 11.3% |
| Recycling Rate | 34.2% | 36.5% | 37.7% | 37.7% | 36.5% |
| Percent Change from Previous Year | -8.8% | 6.7% | 3.3% | 0.0% | -3.2% |
Information on residential recycling, recycling of nontraditional materials, and information on disposal of household hazardous wastes is available by calling (309) 454-3169 or visiting ecologyactioncenter.org.
