Allan Gerlat, News Editor

July 31, 2012

1 Min Read
Illinois’ Cook County Approves Demolition Debris Recycling Law

Illinois’ Cook County has passed an ordinance requiring the recycling of demolition debris in the region.

Chicago’s county board of commissioners said in a news release that the new Demolition Debris Diversion law requires demolition contractors working in suburban and unincorporated Cook County to recycle 70 percent of their debris for all demolition projects. Residential properties must show that 5 percent of the debris is being diverted for reuse. Only sheds and garages are excluded.

The law takes effect Nov. 21. In the next few months, the county Department of Environmental Control will be working with business partners and industry groups to educate contractors and building owners about the requirements and benefits of the new ordinance.

The recycling requirement is a step for the county toward its zero waste goal established in the board’s recent solid waste plan update and the board’s larger sustainability goals.

“Reusing and recycling demolition debris is another important step toward building a greener Cook County,” said board President Toni Preckwinkle. “The benefits go beyond positive environmental impacts. This also creates jobs, stabilizes local economies and creates materials for construction, renovation and infrastructure building.”

About the Author(s)

Allan Gerlat

News Editor, Waste360

Allan Gerlat joined the Waste360 staff in September 2011 as news editor. He was the editor of Waste & Recycling News for the first 16 years of its history, and under his guidance the publication won 27 national and regional awards.

Before Waste & Recycling News, Allan worked at another Crain Communications publication, Rubber & Plastics News, which covers rubber product manufacturing. He began with the publication as associate editor and eventually became managing editor, a position he held for nine years.

Allan is a graduate of Ohio University, where he earned a BS in journalism. He is based in Sagamore Hills, in northeast Ohio.

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