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If you are a member of the media and would like more information on a public health concern, please contact: MCDHMedia@mchenrycountyil.gov or call call (815) 334-4456.
 
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Press Releases

Press releases older than 90 days can be found in the Archived News listing (see link below).

MCDH to host single-use battery recycling event September 8-26

Post Date:09/08/2025 12:30 PM

Media Contact:
McHenry County Department of Health
Nick Kubiak, Public Information Officer

MCDH to host single-use battery recycling event September 8-26

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will host a single-use battery recycling event from Monday, September 8, 2025, through Friday, September 26, 2025. Residents can drop off AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt single-use alkaline batteries at no cost during this period.

Drop-offs will be accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., at the MCDH Division of Environmental Health office, located at 667 Ware Rd, Suite 110, inside the McHenry County Administration Building in Woodstock. Only non-rechargeable batteries from residential sources will be accepted.

MCDH cannot accept other types of batteries or recyclable materials during this program. Residents seeking to recycle lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable batteries from electronics or tools, vehicle batteries, and other battery types can find approved recycling locations and associated fees in the McHenry County Green Guide.

Batteries collected during the event will be sent to Cirba Solutions in Wixom, Michigan, a U.S.-based battery recycler. Cirba Solutions separates batteries by chemistry and recycles materials such as zinc and manganese concentrates, steel, paper, and plastic.

For additional details, visit the MCDH Solid Waste Program page or contact Solid Waste Manager, Kelli Boeckmann, at (815) 334-4585.

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RELATED LEGISLATION: Portable and Medium-Format Battery Stewardship Act

The future of battery recycling in Illinois is expanding. On August 9, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Portable and Medium-Format Battery Stewardship Act (SB 3686) into law. Beginning January 1, 2026, this program will require battery producers to fund and manage the collection, transportation, and recycling of portable primary and rechargeable batteries (e.g., from cell phones, TV remotes, and small power tools) as well as medium-format batteries (e.g., from bicycles, hoverboards, and scooters).

As part of the implementation process, each battery stewardship organization was required to submit a plan to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) by July 1, 2025. The IEPA has up to 120 days to review and comment on the submitted plans before the program can move forward. More information on battery recycling updates will be shared as it becomes available.

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