The Governor Invested Nearly $1 Million in Innovative Program to Divert Up to One Million Pounds of Electronic Waste and Support New Jobs in Growing Industry  

CHICAGO – As part of a continuing effort to promote environmentally-friendly ways of growing the Chicagoland area economy, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich praised the ribbon cutting today of a permanent drop-off facility at Goose Island on the city’s north side to recycle everything from computers to cell phones.  Last year, the Governor announced a $975,000 Opportunity Returns grant to the City of Chicago to develop a comprehensive electronics recycling program and construct the new facility. 

“Investing in projects that are expanding the computer and electronics recycling industry is a savvy way to help protect our environment while expanding our economy.  This partnership with the City of Chicago represents a significant effort to make the recycling of electronic items simple, safe and convenient.  By supporting this new facility that will recycle everything from cell phones to computers, we can reduce the demand on our landfills and put even more people to work,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

This investment was used to help pay for costs associated with the construction and improvement of the permanent facility where residents can bring old, obsolete and end-of-life electronics (computers, televisions or cell phones) for recycling, reuse and/or proper disposal.  Funds have also been used to purchase household battery collection receptacles that have been placed throughout Chicago and to pay for costs associated with the servicing of those containers.  The City has partnered with local Walgreens stores to host battery collection receptacles and has also placed them at libraries across Chicago. 

"This center will urge residents to recycle electronic equipment, one of the fastest growing items of waste in the United States," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.  "Recycling electronics such as computers and cell phones conserves energy and raw materials, reduces pollution, and ensures that Chicago maintains a safe and clean environment."

Electronic products, such as computers, cell phones and televisions, have become more and more pervasive in daily life.  At the same time, electronic components have also become more and more disposable, which is why electronics waste is the fastest growing portion of America’s trash.  Since some electronic items may contain hazardous material, the proper management of those items is critical. 

Gov. Blagojevich has funded 30 electronics recycling projects throughout the state totaling more than $3 million, which is anticipated to leverage approximately $2.6 million in private investment.  This grant program focuses on the development and expansion of permanent collection and processing facilities that handle end-of-life computers and other electronics.  The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has committed to fund additional projects this fiscal year.

“Gov. Blagojevich and I understand that this grant will not only allow us to greatly increase local electronics recycling efforts, but expand markets for a very important industry in our state and strengthen its capacity to create more jobs and continue making a positive impact on the local economy,” State Senator Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) said.

“We must continue to invest in programs that promote and encourage more electronics recycling, including this innovative effort with the City of Chicago.  Gov. Blagojevich and I believe that this is an important way to protect our environment, while encouraging even more economic growth in the right way,” State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Highwood) said.

“Gov. Blagojevich and I believe the time has come to expand recycling efforts to divert more products from our waste stream that have the potential to do tremendous damage to our environment.  This new Goose Island facility is devoted entirely to that cause and will make it easier for people to recycle household electronics devices and be responsible stewards of our environment,” State Rep. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago) said.

“This is a great example of how we can create new jobs for those who might need a second chance, while at the same time protecting our environment.  Gov. Blagojevich and I will continue making these kinds of important investments that are making a real impact in many different ways,” State Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) said.

Once fully operational, Chicago’s electronics recycling program is expected to divert up to one million pounds of electronics from landfills annually.  The program is also expected to divert more than one million pounds of batteries per year.  Furthermore, the program will also be designed to take some of the discarded electronic goods and repair them for reuse.  Refurbished computers will be made available to low-income residents, thus helping to reduce the “digital divide.” 

“Electronic waste, also known as e-scrap, is one of the fastest growing segments of America’s trash.  Electronic items are also made with valuable materials that are a great source of recoverable commodities, including aluminum, steel, glass, plastic and precious metals.  By making this investment, Gov. Blagojevich is helping expand the market for a fledgling industry, which promises significant job creation and growth over the coming years,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.   

"Through the past two decades, computers, printers and other electronic equipment have become increasingly prevalent in day-to-day lives.  The opening of this facility enhances Gov. Blagojevich's efforts to protect the environment and the public, and to foster a more sustainable planet by keeping what would have otherwise been waste out of Illinois landfills," IEPA Director Doug Scott said.      

An integral component of the project is a pilot training program designed to reduce crime and improve the economic health of the community.  Training program participants will be parolees from programs designated by the Illinois Department of Corrections, including individuals leaving incarceration at the state’s Sheridan Correctional Center, the 950-bed medium security facility that Gov. Blagojevich reopened with the goal of becoming the largest fully dedicated state drug prison and reentry program in the nation.  The training program will help move ex-offenders away from drugs and crime and toward honest work through skill training, worksite exposure, and assistance with transitioning from the program to a job in the electronics reuse and recycling field.  At least 60 individuals are expected to be trained through this pilot program.  The Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development is coordinating this component of the project.

In October, Gov. Blagojevich signed an Executive Order directing state government to recycle electronic equipment when it reaches the end of its usable life.  The Governor’s Executive Order will require all state agencies, boards, and commissions under the Governor’s control to dispose of obsolete electronic equipment in an environmentally responsible manner, making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to implement electronics recycling policies.  Gov. Blagojevich also encouraged the Illinois General Assembly to consider electronics recycling legislation during the spring session.

Illinois led the nation in monthly job growth this year in both April and July, which has never happened twice in one year in recorded history.  The total number of new jobs created this year is 77,300, which is the best start to a year since 1999.  Since January 2004, Illinois has gained more than 152,000 new jobs.

It was announced this week that the Illinois unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent, which is the state’s lowest level on record.  It has remained below the national rate for four consecutive months, which is the first time this has happened since 1998.  The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security compiled these statistics.