Lake Forest residents clearing out closets have four free drop-off bins across the city that kept more than 16 tons of clothing and shoes out of landfills last year.
City officials announced Wednesday, July 22, that Lake Forest placed among the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's top 12 host sites for 2025 in both its Clothing and Textile Recycling program and its Reuse-a-Shoe program. The total number of participating sites was not disclosed, but the recognition, posted on the city's website, reflects the combined efforts of households using the bins throughout the year.
The numbers
Lake Forest residents recycled 31,785 pounds of textiles and clothing and another 1,605 pounds of shoes during 2025, according to the city's announcement. That adds up to 33,390 pounds diverted from the waste stream.
The EPA estimates the average American discards about 70 pounds of clothing annually.
Where to drop off
The city hosts three textile recycling bins and one shoe bin:
- Compost and Recycling Center, 1381 W. Kennedy Road — textile bin and Reuse-a-Shoe bin
- Dickinson Hall — textile bin
- Recreation Center — textile bin
The Compost and Recycling Center requires a current Lake Forest vehicle sticker for access, and only one trip per day is allowed. Summer hours run through Nov. 30: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed Monday through Friday and on observed holidays, including Saturday, July 4. The center also accepts batteries and electronics for recycling.
What's accepted
The textile bins take clothing and other textiles in any condition. The Reuse-a-Shoe bin accepts all types of shoes except rollerblades, ice skates, and winter boots. Worn shoes, even those with stains or holes, qualify. Shoes that are wet, moldy, or falling apart are not accepted. Pairs must be tied together with laces or rubber bands.
SWALCO, the Lake County agency that coordinates the programs, has operated Reuse-a-Shoe since roughly 2008. Items collected at the bins are sent for reuse or recycled rather than going to household trash.
Residents can find a full list of acceptable items and program details at swalco.org.
