Cook County and South Suburban College (SSC) partnered in April 2023 to establish a grant-funded Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) on the SSC Main Campus in South Holland, IL. This innovative facility provides area residents, businesses, and organizations with a dedicated recycling drop-off point, effectively diverting millions of pounds of waste and hard-to-recycle items from local landfills and water systems. Since its opening on April 22, the CHaRM center has processed 36,804 lbs. of materials.
"The CHaRM is one of the first in Illinois and a unique opportunity for Cook County residents to drop off hard-to-recycle and expensive-to-recycle goods at no charge," said Terry R. Wells, SSC Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "We need the Southland to recommit to recycling and understand this is not just about televisions and electronics, but anything in your house."
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the CHaRM center's operating hours as follows:
- Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.
- Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- 2nd Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The CHaRM center accepts a wide range of items for recycling, including clothing, furniture, e-waste, glass, metal, paper, plastic, small appliances, Styrofoam, and textiles.
Televisions are only accepted during Saturday hours. Visit www.ssc.edu/charm<http://www.ssc.edu/charm> for a comprehensive list of accepted materials and to make a drop-off reservation. Contact Antwon Russell, SSC Sustainability Coordinator at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2440 or via email at ATRussell@ssc.edu<mailto:ATRussell@ssc.edu> for more information or inquiries about the CHaRM center.