What This Project Will Deliver
"This survey effort is about figuring out whether Illinoisians' access to recycling, primarily provided through local programs, is adequate to handle the paper and packaging materials being used in the state. Pinpointing the locations and scope of any gaps by collecting local information on service coverage, materials, costs, and contracts will help us all to deliver improved programs in the future," said IRF's Board President, Clair Ryan.
- A determination of the annual volume of specifically identified materials that currently are discarded or made available to recycle in Illinois.
- The rate these materials are generated, by county; an evaluation of the existing materials management infrastructure currently available to absorb the generated materials.
- A projection of necessary improvements to the infrastructure to enhance the volume of materials diverted from landfills.
- An examination of the impacts of existing materials generation practices and materials management activities on communities of Environmental Justice (EJ) concern.
"Local program data is the backbone of practical recycling solutions. This assessment focuses on facts on the ground—service coverage, materials, costs, and contracts—so we can direct resources where they will move the needle fastest," said IRF's Clair Ryan.
"We're asking for 30–45 minutes today to save years of guesswork tomorrow. Your input will guide future funding, technical assistance, and policy recommendations that support Illinois communities," said Nathan Mihelich, Executive Director of the Illinois Recycling Foundation.
Who Should Respond
We're seeking responses from municipal, township, and county staff with the most familiarity with solid waste programs and contracts. If you received this notice but are not the right person, please forward it to the staff member responsible for recycling data and contracts in your organization.
What You'll Need Handy
To streamline your response, gather what you can of the following—submit what's available; estimates are welcome where exact figures aren't tracked:
- Program contact details and the jurisdictions you serve.
- Materials accepted; service types (curbside, drop-off, multifamily, commercial).
- Service providers/haulers, MRFs, and contract dates/terms if applicable.
- Tonnage by material (if tracked) and capture/contamination indicators (if available).
- Annual program costs and key funding sources.
Data Handling
Local government data is typically subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Aggregated results will be used for statewide analysis. Neither Eunomia nor any other project partner will publish individually identifiable data without proper authorization.
Key Dates
- Kickoff Webinar: Monday, October 20, 2025 · 10:30–11:30 AM CT — Register here
- Second Webinar: Monday, October 27, 2025 · 1:30 PM CT — Register here
- Survey Deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Take Action
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the survey take?
Depending on data availability, most respondents can complete the survey in about 30–45 minutes. You can save progress and return later.
Can multiple team members contribute?
Yes. You may coordinate internally to gather information. If one person submits, that submission should represent your official response.
What if we don't track a requested metric?
Provide your best estimate or explain "not tracked." Imperfect data is still useful for gap analysis.
Will our data be published individually?
No. Data will be used only in aggregated form for statewide analysis. Individual municipal data will not be published without proper authorization.