183,079 tons of municipal solid waste was generated in McLean County in 2012, a 12% decline from the 2011 rate. This is the fourth year in a row that waste generation in McLean County has decreased. It is likely that the economic recession has resulted in less consumer spending that generates waste; weak retail sales of generation merchandise in recent years have corresponded with this trend. However, 2012 retail sales were up again, which may result in an increase in total waste generation in the near future.
In 2012 McLean County recycling increased by 6.7% to an overall recycling rate of 36.5% of all municipal solid waste generated. Marked growth in the recycling of household batteries, construction and demolition materials, food waste, and wood waste all contributed to the county-wide recycling rate increase from 2011-2012. The upturn in recycling also puts the community on track towards the established 40% recycling goal.
The Ecology Action Center annually collects data on the amount of municipal solid waste generated and recycled for all of McLean County. This data is used for solid waste management planning purposes. Among other services, the EAC acts as the solid waste agency for Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County providing technical assistance, recycling promotion, nontraditional recycling program administration, household hazardous waste coordination, and education and outreach.
Information on residential recycling, recycling of nontraditional materials, and information on recycling or disposal of household hazardous wastes is available by calling (309) 454-3169 or visiting www.ecologyactioncenter.org.
