Membership Matters · Participation Matters
CHICAGO, IL – Three of Illinois' most dedicated recycling and product stewardship advocates, all members of the Illinois Recycling Foundation, have been nationally recognized for their leadership and tireless efforts to advance sustainable materials management. Marta Keane of Will County Green, who also serves as the Secretary of the Illinois Recycling Association and is a former President of the Illinois Recycling Foundation, along with Walter Willis, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), and Christina Seibert, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), were presented with the prestigious "Local Leader" award by the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI).
The award was bestowed upon the trio during the 2025 U.S. Product Stewardship Forum, held in Chicago from June 3-5. Keane, Willis, and Seibert were lauded for their pivotal roles in leading the Illinois Product Stewardship Council (ILPSC), a coalition dedicated to shifting the responsibility of product waste management from taxpayers to producers.
The ILPSC, which officially began its work in 2014, has been at the forefront of advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in Illinois. Their comprehensive efforts have targeted a wide range of hard-to-handle materials, including carpet, electronics, medication, paint, batteries, packaging, and household hazardous waste. The council's primary goal is to alleviate the financial strain on residents, businesses, and local governments by ensuring that manufacturers are accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.
Under the leadership of Keane, who serves as the council's Chair, and with the dedicated involvement of Willis and Seibert, both of whom have served on the PSI Board of Directors, the ILPSC has achieved significant legislative milestones. Illinois' electronics EPR law is now considered the most advanced in the nation, setting a high standard for producer responsibility.
Furthermore, the council was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Medication Take Back law at the end of 2023, providing residents with safe and convenient options for disposing of unwanted medications.
Looking ahead, the ILPSC is poised for further accomplishments. Improvements to the collection of both latex and oil-based paint from residents and businesses are anticipated to roll out later this year. Additionally, a comprehensive statewide battery collection program, covering all types of batteries, is set to launch on January 1, 2026. The council also has its sights set on future initiatives, with plans to address mattress EPR in 2026.
The Product Stewardship Institute, a national nonprofit, has been a pioneer in promoting product stewardship and EPR across the United States for over two decades. Their work has been foundational in building a circular economy where products are designed and managed for responsible end-of-life solutions. The recognition of Keane, Willis, and Siebert underscores the significant impact that dedicated local leaders can have on a national scale. Their collective efforts continue to position Illinois as a leader in innovative and effective recycling and waste management practices.
The exemplary leadership of Marta Keane, Walter Willis, and Christina Seibert highlights the profound impact dedicated individuals can have on our state's sustainability. If you are inspired by their achievements and wish to contribute to a more circular economy in Illinois, consider following in their footsteps. Joining the Illinois Recycling Foundation offers a direct path to engage with a network of professionals, advocates, and community leaders committed to reducing waste and improving recycling. By becoming a member, you can play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future and help make a circular way of life a reality for all Illinoisans. Join today at www.illinoisrecycles.org.