McHenry County Defenders Close Woodstock Recycling Center

After much thoughtful deliberation, the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interest of the organization to cease collection and processing operations at the Woodstock Area Recycling Center (WARC).

The decision to close the WARC was a difficult one. Some members and residents have expressed their disappointment regarding the closure.  Certainly, the Board of Directors, staff and other members share this sadness.  Our recycling center has long been the most tangible connection between the Defenders and the residents of McHenry County.  Closing its doors is like losing a good friend.  However, it is important to remember that the Defenders' goal when it first began recycling operations efforts so many years ago was "to put ourselves out of the recycling business".  Our organization has been the shepherd of recycling in this county, and we've done our job well.  We can take pride in the fact that there are so many options for recyclers now.  From curbside pickup to government and commercial haulers -- the Defenders helped establish the recycling infrastructure in this county.

The decision to close the processing operations centered on the fiscal well being of the organization.  For the last six years or so, we have had to supplement the recycling operations with revenue from other Defenders programs because the facility was just not generating sufficient revenue to cover its expenses.  To maintain the permanent facility any longer jeopardizes the overall fiscal health of the organization.

Many residents know of the McHenry County Defenders as a result of our recycling drop-off center.  But we are so much more than that! We are an advocacy and education organization dedicated to preserving and protecting our natural resources.  We have established relationships with local and state elected officials who are environmentally conscious.  We have built partnerships with other environmental organizations throughout the region and worked with them on many important issues.  We have developed a social network for like-minded individuals.  We will continue to foster these relationships so that we can positively influence the quality of life for all McHenry County residents.  We remain committed to the preservation and protection of our environment and recycling will continue to be an integral part of our mission.  We will be refocusing our efforts in the areas of advocacy and education.  We are still conducting collection drives, paying particular attention to hard-to-recycle materials such as batteries, fluorescent bulbs and books. And we will continue to depend on the loyal support of each of our members to march forward with our mission as 'citizens working for a healthy environment.

CLICK HERE for recycling alternatives.