Experience the Downers Grove Recycling Extravaganza This October

Community News September 11, 2025

Downers Grove Recycling Extravaganza: Cleanup, Recycle & Reconnect with Community

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM, the Village of Downers Grove, SCARCE, and Greener Grove are teaming up to host a Recycling Extravaganza at the Belmont Train Station parking lot. It’s more than just “drop-and-go”—this event is an opportunity to make a real difference, declutter, and help the planet.

What You Can Bring

The Extravaganza aims to collect a wide variety of items—including things that often can’t be handled through regular waste or curbside recycling. Here are some of the accepted (and special-fee) items, and the organizations responsible:

Type of Item	What to Donate
Electronics & Textiles	Old electronics, cords, etc. (there may be a small fee for TVs or certain electronics). Textiles bundled in bags.
Paint	Both oil and latex paints will be accepted, but for a small fee. Aerosol cans also considered.
On-site Document Shredding	You can bring sensitive documents to be shredded safely.
Furniture / Reusable Goods	Things like tables, dressers, chairs in usable condition. Some restrictions apply (no sleeper sofas, etc.).
Medical Equipment	Wheelchairs, walkers, etc., so long as they’re in usable or repairable condition.
Books, Musical Instruments, Smaller Reuse Items	Books, cords, keys, musical instruments, LPs, etc.
Special Collections	Eyeglasses, hearing aids; food pantry donations (non-perishables); medical items; bike gear; more.

Logistics & Tips for a Smooth Drop-Off

Location & Access: The drop-off is in the Belmont Train Station parking lot. Enter via Chase Ave, exit via Belmont Ave.
Drive-Through Setup: Volunteers will help unload—you don’t need to carry everything long distances.
Organize Ahead: To make things go faster: group like items together, pack small stuff in bags or boxes, separate fragile items.
Know What Has Fees: Be ready for small fees on certain electronics or paint items. Checking ahead saves surprises.

Why This Event Matters

Reduces Landfill Waste: Many of the items collected are hard to recycle in standard programs. Getting them out of your home and into proper recycling or reuse means less ends up in landfills.
Supports Local Nonprofits & Community Groups: Various local orgs benefit—through reuse of goods, donation of usable items, and by connecting with residents.
Encourages Sustainable Habits: Events like this raise awareness of what we can recycle, and can inspire better, longer-term habits around consumption, waste, and reuse.
Strengthens Community Connections: It’s a chance for neighbors to come together around a common goal—keeping Downers Grove green.

What to Bring With You (Checklist)

Boxes or bins to contain smaller items (books/cords)
Bags for textiles or clothes
Proof of residency if required (though most community recycling events are residents-focused)
Gloves or tools to help unload/remove items if needed
Cash or card for any fees

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been meaning to clean out that attic, purge old gadgets, or recycle things you didn’t know where to take—this is your chance. The Downers Grove Recycling Extravaganza will make it easy and efficient, while doing good for the environment. Whether you bring one item or a carload, your participation adds up.

For more information about the event or SCARCE, visit HERE

Greener Grove

SCARCE