This week, yard signs are a vital part of local candidates’ efforts to woo voters before the April 4 election. On April 5, those signs become trash. Maybe. One local environmentalist is offering to help candidates recycle yard signs instead of piling them into trash receptacles.
This week, yard signs are a vital part of local candidates’ efforts to woo voters before the April 4 election. On April 5, those signs become trash.
Maybe.
One local environmentalist is offering to help candidates recycle yard signs instead of piling them into trash receptacles.
Jennifer Molski, who leads the annual Christmas tree and lights recycling program at Irons Oaks, is offering to collect metal sign stakes for recycling.
“While it’s so amazing to see so many people running for local office, the sight of all of the yard signs and the thought of the metal stakes going needlessly into landfill makes me cringe,” Molski said. “I thought we needed to do something about this.”
Candidates can send text message to her at 312-804-0496 for directions to a Flossmoor drop-off location. She also is offering to pick signs up from candidates’ homes if they make arrangements.
“Of course if you plan on running for office in the future we encourage you to reuse,” she said.
Molski plans to separate the signs from the metal frames and take the metal to Gaby Iron & Metal, 2611 East End Ave. in Chicago Heights.
Candidates can take the metal directly to Gaby Iron & Metal if they prefer, she said.