West Dundee, Illinois, not ready to partner with Kane County

In June, Kane County suspended its recycling program because of an overwhelming influx of electronics received at a May collection event. As an alternative, Kane County’s Division of Environmental Resources has suggested that three municipalities provide recycling drop-off locations for county residents. 

 

According to the article, West Dundee officials are concerned about the lack of equity in the proposal.

 

“Why would three municipalities bear the liability and cost and labor for every other municipality in the county to take advantage of?” Public Works Director Eric Babcock asked at a Monday board meeting.

 

West Dundee Village Manager Joseph Cavallaro agreed that the solution should be a countywide initiative. 

 

“There’s got to be some type of formal program put together that everyone is contributing equally to,” the paper reports Cavallaro as saying. “We want to balance our limited staff and resources but also step up and become part of the solution too.” 

 

Village Trustee Michelle Kembitzky objected to a suggestion that up to $10,000 could be provided by the city and the Grand Victoria Casino as financial compensation, the article says. 

 

“We’re one of the smallest villages in the county,” Kembitzky said. “We represent 6,000 people. How many people live in the county? And Elgin, who has over 100,000 people, is going to kick in $10,000? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

 

The article says West Dundee officials would only consider the proposal if Kane County resumes its monthly electronics recycling events and if Aurora and Batavia also agree to operate drop-off facilities.