Bring the whole system to the table
From the statewide conference to regional workshops, we connect municipalities, haulers, processors, and policymakers who rarely share a room — but always share a material stream.
Illinois' statewide recycling nonprofit · 501(c)(3)
Every material in Illinois deserves a next life.
The Illinois Recycling Foundation unites the people, programs, and policy building a circular economy across the state — from curbside carts to statewide legislation.
Quick actions
Find
Find a recycling location
Search drop-off sites by city or ZIP, browse material guidelines, and reach your local coordinator — anywhere in Illinois.
Open the finder AttendAttend ICC 2026
Two days in Tinley Park, August 19–20 — where the Illinois Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment makes its debut.
Explore the conference JoinJoin the statewide network
Membership connects you to the practitioners, agencies, and industry running recycling in Illinois.
View membership options
Flagship event · Presented by The Battery Network
The 2026 Illinois Circularity Conference
Two days with the municipalities, haulers, processors, and policymakers shaping recycling in Illinois — at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Featuring the first public look at the Illinois Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment.
AUGUST
19–20
Registration open
What we do
One foundation. Three ways we move materials forward.
Help Illinoisans recycle right
We build programs, resources, and campaigns grounded in how local collection systems actually work, so residents and businesses can keep materials clean and moving.
Strengthen policy and infrastructure
We work with agencies and legislators on the rules and investments a circular economy runs on — from battery stewardship to statewide recycling planning.
Latest from the Foundation
News & updates
Event recap
CERA & Battery Stewardship Workshop
Sponsored by the National Center for Electronics Recycling and The Battery Network, with Illinois EPA's Kimberly Bottomley on CERA fundamentals and 2027 legislative changes, and NCER's Jason Linnell on Clearinghouse operations and the latest collection data.
Read the recap
Partner program
Recycle Coach: teach residents to recycle right
The Illinois EPA and Recycle Coach have partnered to give communities statewide access to digital tools — search, calendars, and collection reminders — with hyper-local recycling guidance. Chicago's citywide rollout is on the ICC Day 1 agenda. To get started, contact Liz Kunkle at lkunkle@recyclecoach.com.
View the one-pager
Get involved
Sponsor or exhibit at ICC 2026
Put your organization in front of recycling leaders from every corner of the state. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are open now for Tinley Park, August 19–20.
See opportunitiesSupport the Illinois Recycling Foundation
Membership
Join the network running recycling in Illinois.
Membership connects you to practitioners, agencies, and industry across the state — and funds the Foundation's work year-round.
Become a member Renew an existing membership
Donate
Fuel the mission.
The IRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every gift supports education, advocacy, and cleaner material streams statewide.
Donate now
2026 Benefactors
Thank you to the partners who make this work possible
