Bring the whole system together.
Meet the coordinators, haulers, processors, educators, businesses, and agencies working on Illinois’ shared materials challenges.
Explore our member network →Illinois’ statewide recycling networkKeep materials moving.
Keep materials moving.
Move Illinois forward.
The Illinois Recycling Foundation brings communities, businesses, and recycling professionals together to advance waste reduction, reuse, and recycling across our state.
Upcoming webinar · Registration openPlastics Series ·
Plastics Series ·
Webinar No. 1
Plastic bags & film: recycling, reduction, and local policy
Join IRF for the first session in a new plastics webinar series. Explore collection and drop-off options, where recovered materials go, and practical approaches to reducing single-use bags.
Speaker lineup and full agenda will be announced.
What we doBetter systems start
Meet the Foundation →Better systems start
with connected people.
Turn information into action.
Build your knowledge through webinars, workshop recordings, publications, and practical resources for communities and professionals.
Explore IRF resources →Help shape what comes next.
Share your experience, join a committee, and support programs that strengthen waste reduction, reuse, and recycling statewide.
Get involved with a committee →Save the date · ICC 2027The Illinois Circularity
The Illinois Circularity
Conference returns
in Springfield.
Join the people shaping Illinois materials management for two days of learning, connections, and conversation. Hosted by IRF and SWANA Illinois.
Northfield Inn · Springfield, Illinois
From the field · ICC 2026 reportWhat happens
What happens
after the bin?
Our two-day conference report follows the conversations from Tinley Park: recycling infrastructure, producer responsibility, batteries, organics, reuse, and the people making the system work.
Explore the sessions and photographs from August 19–20, 2026.
Read the full conference report →Keep learning
All news & reports →Resources for the work ahead.
Electronics & battery stewardship
Revisit the CERA and Batteries Stewardship Workshop, with practical insights for collection sites and local programs.
Read & watch →Stay connected to Illinois recycling.
Browse the Foundation’s newsletter archive for program announcements, policy conversations, and news from our statewide community.
Browse newsletters →Put proven practices to work.
Explore the Foundation’s collection of recycling guides, operational manuals, and historical publications.
Explore publications →Support the Foundation
Your place in the statewide network.
Connect with recycling professionals and organizations across Illinois. Membership supports the Foundation’s work throughout the year.
Help materials find their next life.
Your contribution supports recycling education, community connections, and practical public tools, including the Illinois Recycling Finder.
2026 Benefactors
Thank you for making this work possible.