Green Guide

Go Green!Easy Ways to Be More Green

Welcome to the Will County Green Guide Page where there are easy to find topics that comprise our most frequently asked questions.  Take some time to explore the many pages of information or just make a quick trip to our Map or Green Guide Database for the info you need.

In order to make it easy to increase the green in your life, this page features a connection to a "living map" where you can find the most convenient drop-off location for your needs.  The drop-offs include traditional item recycling, at least 12 electronic recycling sites and medication disposal drop-offs, plus much more.

The Green Guide Database is packed with information on how to recycle or reuse just about everything.  From shorts to shingles or calculators to ketchup bottles, there is a listing to offer you an alternative to disposal.  Formally, a 36-page guide that was cumbersome and costly to produce, is now a much more easily updated and user friendly source of information for both residents and businesses.  

Our brochures, previously printed or available as PDF files, are now pages in their own right, with hotlink features and opportunities for additional information.  Please click one to see how easily you can scan through to learn that most household batteries are no longer hazardous, or what to do with unwanted latex paint, and much more.

Beyond what you might expect from the County's long established efforts to promote recycling, this site offers information on the conservation of water and energy.  We are working to feature alternative energy options and showcase county building "green" efforts as examples for businesses and homeowners alike.

This site is designed for the novice and the most emerald green of our community, with connections to local and state organizations where your interest in all things "green" can grow and flourish.  We welcome your suggestions and feedback.  We expect this site's offerings to increase through the power of public interaction.

Please click Here to submit a comment or suggestion. 

Be sure to browse through the rest of the site as well.  Thank you for your interest and dedication to the environment.

 

Upcoming Green Events

Wilmington ShareFest 2026
Event's details
August 01, 2026-August 01, 2026

Time:09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Location: Wilmington High School, Wilmington, IL-IL


Free community event for residents to learn what services and goods are available for everyone. Food distribution, back-to-school haircuts, and a chance to interact with local organizations that serve residents will be open for all in Wilmington, in Will County, and beyond.
 
 (August 01, 2026 09:00 AM - August 01, 2026 01:00 PM)
Joliet Kids Fest 2026
Event's details
August 01, 2026-August 01, 2026

Time:10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location: Joliet City Square, Joliet, IL-IL


Kids Fest is a FREE interactive event for children and adults in downtown Joliet. Tables are set up in the street with give away items, educational fun activities and games. A DJ offers dance music and a few contests. Will County offers a booth with recycling, water conservation, and water conservation games. Take a chance and you may win a frisbee or a recycled magnet or blue jean pencil!
 
 (August 01, 2026 10:00 AM - August 01, 2026 03:00 PM)
New Lenox Recyclepalooza: Hazardous Waste, Electronics, Wood, & More
Event's details
September 12, 2026-September 12, 2026

Time:08:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Location: Please make an appointment for specific location information., New Lenox, IL-IL


Drop off nearly all types of electronics and household hazardous items, as well as scrap metal, wood, foam, and food/clothing donations. Limit 3 TVs and 15 gallons of paint per vehicle. ID required. We serve all Will County residents and residents outside Will who live in communities partially within Will County.

Please make an appointment at: https://Electronics-HHW-Collection.as.me/2026NewLenox

See the list of accepted items at: www.willcountygreen.com/mobile/recyclepalooza_items.aspx
 
 (September 12, 2026 08:00 AM - September 12, 2026 02:00 PM)
Tire Recycling Drop-Off - Fairgrounds 2026
Event's details
September 19, 2026-September 19, 2026

Time:08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location: Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone, IL-IL


Will County is sponsoring a car, tractor, and small truck tire drop-off at the Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8 AM to 3 PM. This event is for Will County residents and farmers. Participants must be able to unload their own tires (100 maximum per vehicle). No business, industrial, off road, or heavily soiled tires will be accepted at this event, but businesses and local governments may contact us for other options.
 
 (September 19, 2026 08:00 AM - September 19, 2026 03:00 PM)
Fall 2026 Textile Drop-Off
Event's details
September 25, 2026-September 25, 2026

Time:09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Location: County Office Building Parking Lot, Joliet, IL-IL


Drop off clean clothing, blankets, tablecloths, linens, drapes, towels, shoes, and more for reuse and recycling at the County Office Building parking lot on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Please no items containing mud, mold, or other contamination! No appointment is required.
 
 (September 25, 2026 09:00 AM - September 25, 2026 02:00 PM)
FREE Shorewood Electronics Only Recycling Event September 2026
Event's details
September 26, 2026-September 26, 2026

Time:08:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: A-Team Recyclers Parking Lot, Shorewood, IL-IL


Recycle unwanted electronics and small scrap metal items. No appointment is required. Located near the intersection of Black Rd and Route 59. Please enter from Vertin Blvd, to Capista Drive, and make a right onto Gregory.
 
 (September 26, 2026 08:00 AM - September 26, 2026 12:00 PM)
Fall Repair Cafe - JJC - Romeoville 2026
Event's details
October 17, 2026-October 17, 2026

Time:10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location: JJC Romeoville Campus, Romeoville, IL-IL


Many items we place in the garbage could be repaired and reused. Joliet Junior College is offering a chance for residents to bring items to a FREE event to explore repair options on Saturday, October 17, at their Romeoville Campus (1125 W 135th St, Romeoville). Learn how to repair small electric appliances, clothing, furniture, toys, bicycles, jewelry, and more. For more information, visit jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability/romeoville-repair-cafe
 
 (October 17, 2026 10:00 AM - October 17, 2026 03:00 PM)
Wilmington Hazardous Waste, Motor Oil & Electronics Drop-Off Event 2026
Event's details
October 17, 2026-October 17, 2026

Time:08:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Location: Please make an appointment for specific location information., Wilmington, IL-IL


Drop off nearly all types of electronics and household chemicals, hazardous materials and liquids. Limit 3 TVs per vehicle, 15 gallons of paint per vehicle, and 15 light bulbs per vehicle. We serve all Will County residents and residents of any communities partially within Will County. Please make an appointment at: https://Electronics-HHW-Collection.as.me/Wilmington-2026

See the list of accepted items at: https://www.willcountygreen.com/EHHWitems/
 
 (October 17, 2026 08:00 AM - October 17, 2026 02:00 PM)

Any Suggestions?
Click Here If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions
about any information found on our website.

 
Will County Land Use Department
Will County - Land Use Department - Resource Recovery & Energy
58 E. Clinton Street, Joliet, IL 60432

© 2010 Will County EEC. All Rights Reserved|Web site design and development by Americaneagle.com
Site Map|Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy|Contact Us