Commissioner Brenda proposes paired street garbage-and-recycling bins to reduce contamination

Commissioner Brenda proposed the village explore installing paired public trash-and-recycling receptacles—half for garbage and half for recyclables—at locations with public garbage cans to reduce contamination of recyclables and improve curbside cleanliness.

"Like in Glenn Ellen, they have a garbage can that it's like a square. Half of it's for garbage, the other half's for recyclable items because recyclable items are getting mixed in with the regular garbage," Brenda said, describing the model and how she personally picks up litter while walking. She suggested this design could make recycling easier for residents and reduce contamination of curbside recyclable streams.

Commissioners responded positively to the idea as a complement to broader education efforts and the proposed "keep Villa Park clean" campaign. The village board liaison noted potential cross-organization collaboration and suggested the commission could coordinate placement and pilot locations with village staff.