One of the most important factors in waste management is the proper handling of different kinds of waste. The composition of a load of trash depends on the type of job. It also depends on the amount of recycling that is taking place. From paper to household food waste to construction material, there are many types of garbage found in the Chicago area.
The long history of garbage in Chicago is infamous. From illegal dumping in Lake Michigan, organized crime, and its link to Chicago politics. While there are still some politics in the business of waste management in Chicago, today’s trash collection in the city revolves around sustainable practices that address the landfill shortage in Cook County. City officials are working to increase recycling efforts, and that work begins with understanding what residents and businesses are throwing out.
In the early 1800s in Chicago, a typical household only generated 100-200 pounds of trash annually. But today, that total reaches just under 5,000 pounds each year. In fact, there are about three pounds of trash per person per day generated in the metro area.
The household recycling rate in the Chicago region varies widely, from around 41% in some areas to only 11% in others. Materials recycled include paper, steel, glass, aluminum, plastics, textiles, car tires, and other items. However, the low rate of recycling means that many of these trash materials end up in a landfill instead of a recycling facility.
Beyond what is pulled out for recycling, the rest of the waste is disposed of in landfills or is incinerated. Besides household waste, the total volume of trash comes from institutional, commercial, and industrial sectors, plus all construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Added up, this comes to over 4 million tons of waste each year.
As with most large cities, the type of garbage found in Chicago depends on whether it is coming from residential areas or is the result of business and construction activity. With a large population, much of the waste comes from households. Commercial waste varies with the ups and downs of economic activity. These are the top five types of trash discarded in the Chicago area.
Over 522,000 tons of organic waste is generated in Chicago every year. This is the largest category of waste material disposed of in Cook County. This type of garbage includes food scraps, landscaping trash, animal products, plant material, and food-soiled paper products. Organic waste is composed of matter that is biodegradable and could be composted.
The next most common material discarded is paper waste. This includes plain paper, food wrapping and packaging, juice and cereal boxes, paper cups, paper towels, laminated paper, and cardboard.
Plastic waste comes in third in the Chicago area. Examples of this type of waste include single-use plastics, bottles, caps, grocery bags, straws, cups, food wrappers and containers, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
This waste includes steel, asphalt, concrete, brick, and wood, plus basic construction refuse. It is a significant source of trash generated in Chicago due to ongoing construction and home renovation activity.
Glass and metal waste makes up a large fraction of the trash discarded in the Chicago region. This includes beer and soft drink bottles, wine and liquor bottles, and jars used for cosmetics, food, and other consumer products.
In the Chicago area, the total waste diversion rate for households and commercial activity combined is only 10%. This is far below the national average of 34%. Michelle Thoma, the president of the Chicago Recycling Coalition, says that the city has not worked hard enough to increase recycling rates. She explains;
“The City of Chicago has just not put the attention and resources to making recycling all that it can be.”
Critics cite a lack of financial resources and enforcement efforts as part of the problem.
Officials in Chicago are working to increase the recycling rate in the city, with the city’s Blue Cart program that provides bi-weekly recycling services to residential areas. There are also drop off locations for recyclable materials including food scraps and waste, landscaping materials, paper, plastics, glass, and cardboard.
The chief Sustainability Office for the City of Chicago Angela Tovar says that positive changes are being made. “We do intent to make significant changes in the next few years. This is something that we are very serious about.” With increased awareness and incentives, there could be a noticeable decrease in the amount of recyclables that end up in landfills instead.
At Discount Dumpster, we’re committed to helping our customers manage their trash disposal in the most economical and responsible way. From household waste to construction debris to cleanout trash, we have the best selection and rental prices to handle all kinds of jobs. Call us today to learn how we can partner with you to handle all your trash.
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