SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) announced that its solid waste management plan has been updated in July 2024. The updated plan recommends actions to reduce the climate impacts of solid waste and directs the County to formulate necessary policies and action plans to deal with solid waste over the next five-year period.

The updated plan puts forward 43 recommendations and highlights 16 major areas of focus that will help the County make significant progress in zero waste and circular economy systems. It must be noted that the County had recently announced a new goal of achieving 45% waste diversion by 2030.

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The recommendations in the update are based on inputs received from various sources including the members of the Cook County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, local and state partners, environmental organizations and general public. The update will help the County to address issues and opportunities in curbside recycling, composting and recycling of other materials.

Cook County, Illinois is made up of 127 municipalities, in addition to unincorporated areas, holding a population of around 2.5 million. As per rough estimates, the County generates approximately three million tons of waste every year.