The City's contractor, Waste Management, Inc., collects and processes the recyclables. They also collect the yard waste and refuse. Galesburg residents may place their refuse, yard waste and recycling out at the curb on their refuse collection day.
Curbside Recycling
The City of Galesburg initiated a curbside recycling program in November of 1996. Before that time, residents’ recycling options were to use a drop-off or pay for a subscription curbside recycling program. Galesburg residents currently pay for recycling through their quarterly refuse charge located on the City residents’ water bills.
Every residence is provided an 18-gallon recycling bin. This bin is the property of the City of Galesburg and should not be used for any other purpose. The bin should be left at the residence upon vacating the property. In the recycling bin residents can place specific containers, jars and cans. Lids should be removed and discarded and all containers, jars, and cans should be rinsed. Labels may be left on the containers.
The following may be placed loose in the recycling bin
1. Glass Bottles and Jars
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Acceptable
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Unacceptable
- Drinking glasses
- Ceramics
- Window glass
- Pyrex
- Mirrors
- Crystal
- Any glass which has been broken
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2. Plastic Containers
Those coded with a 1 or 2 on the bottom are accepted. A good example of a #1 coded plastic would be 2-liter pop bottles, while #2 coded plastic containers include milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles.
3. Aluminum/Steel/Bi Metal cans
All beverage and food cans are acceptable. Please completely remove on end of the can and discard. Beverage cans are the exception. Rinse food debris from the cans.
The following may be bagged and placed in / or beside the recycling bin.
- Newspapers and their inserts
- Magazines/catalogs
- Corrugated cardboard/paperboard
- Junk mail/computer paper
- Phone books (collected during January and February)
Examples of paperboard include cereal boxes and gift boxes. Remove plastic liners. Waxed surfaces, such as orange juice boxes, and gift wrap are not acceptable for recycling.
Electronics Recycling Drop-Off
Residential — Recycle those old electronic items and keep them out of the landfill. The Electronics Recycling Drop Off program will accept small appliances and electronics free of charge. Air conditioners, large appliances and console TVs are not accepted. Take items to 567 S. Farnham Street (Galesburg Transit garage) on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Business — Please schedule a pick up by calling the Tri-County Regional Collection facility at 309/331-4782. There is a fee for this service based on the weight of the electronics collected.
Recycle and Win Cash
The first full week of the month residents can win $25 cash for recycling. Every month, the Finance Department randomly selects addresses. If a recycling bin is out with recyclables at the address they win $25 in cash.
Paint Recycling
The paint recycling program has been suspended in 2010 due to a cut in funding from the Illinois EPA to the Tri-County Regional Collection facility. Paint can be disposed of safely after it has been solidified. Use kitty litter to absorb large quantities of paint or remove the lid and let dry or evaporate before setting at the curb next to trash for pick up.