“New, Young Minds Bringing New Ideas.” (May, 2023) Students from seven DuPage high schools, constituting twenty-five teams, had… Read more »
Sustainable Design Challenge 2023
News
2021 Pumpkin Smash Goes Worldwide!
The 2021 Pumpkin Smash topped all our previous records! a 45% increase over last year! 230.7 tons of… Read more »
New Permanent Recycling Center Opens in Aurora
Attention Kane County Residents: as of June 21, 2021, you are invited to use a new, permanent Recycling… Read more »
Announcing the Winners of the 2021 Sustainable Design Challenge
This spring the 2021 Sustainable Design Challenge continued for the second year in a row as a virtual… Read more »
SCARCE Partners to Provide Easter Dinners to Residents in Need
In March, SCARCE again partnered with the DuPage County Sheriff in their on-going “It Takes a Village” initiative,… Read more »
‘Literacy at the Laundromat’ project expands to West Chicago
On Wednesday, February 3rd, SCARCE team members along with DuPage County board member and environmental committee chair Sheila… Read more »
December Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
SCARCE and Partners Give Back with Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
Since SCARCE’s Reuse Center was first founded, we’ve had a dual environmental and humanitarian mission. This November, we… Read more »
Pumpkin Smash Diverts Over 150 Tons from Landfill
Each year after Halloween, communities in Illinois provide a fun, eco-friendly option to wrap up the holiday. Dozens… Read more »
New Terracycle Collection: Personal Care & Beauty Packaging
We now accept EMPTY skin care, hair care, and cosmetic packaging from any brand as part of a… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires November 2020
Village of Clarendon Hills Presented with Earth & Water Quality flags by DuPage County and SCARCE Congratulations to… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires October 2020
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Children’s Halloween Costume Drive thru Oct 23rd, 2020
Help make Halloween special for local kids in need! SCARCE is collecting gently-used children’s Halloween costumes in partnership… Read more »
Now Collecting for Working Bikes
SCARCE is now a drop-off site for Working Bikes. Donate your old (but repairable) adult bikes, gently-used kid’s… Read more »
SCARCE Executive Director Appointed to Statewide Waste Diversion Committee
We are proud to share that Kay McKeen, SCARCE founder and executive director, was recently appointed to the… Read more »
New Terracycle Collection: Arm & Hammer and Oxiclean Pouches
We now accept EMPTY Arm & Hammer and Oxiclean pouches as part of a new Terracycle collection brigade. Read a… Read more »
Cultivating hope at DuPage County Jail
This June after months of planning and coordinating, Hope’s Garden at the DuPage County Jail is up and… Read more »
Reopening begins June 15th
Health & Safety Update: We are adopting the travel quarantine policy of Cook County. If you live in… Read more »
New Food Recovery Campaign Helps Food Insecure Neighbors, Reduces Waste
During the month of May, SCARCE continued to help get books and supplies to local families while expanding… Read more »
SCARCE featured Monthly on WDCB Radio
Beginning in May, SCARCE will be featured monthly on WDCB radio‘s WDCB Weekly on Sunday mornings from 7:30-8am to… Read more »
Now offering live virtual programs
As group gatherings have become off-limits and the new reality of social distancing sets in, we are all… Read more »
Local students show resilience in virtual Sustainable Design Challenge
In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Sustainable Design Challenge went virtual. Typically taking place in-person… Read more »
SCARCE helps local organizations during the health crisis
SCARCE is grateful to everyone who is caring for our community during these challenging times. We are doing… Read more »
Recycling During COVID-19
Doing your part to reduce the spread of coronavirus effort extends all the way to your recycling. Believe it… Read more »
Donation Request: Industrial Shelves Needed
In March, we moved to a new, bigger location in Addison. Once we moved into the new space,… Read more »
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Update 06/12/2020: Re-opening begins June 15th. Review new health & safety precautions and new location info. Update 05/15/20:… Read more »
Re-Opening Postponed
If you didn’t already hear, we’re moving to Addison! We’re in the thick of it and, as with… Read more »
Cheers to Cork Recycling
Update 07/15/2020: Our cork recycling program has temporarily been suspended. We hope to restart our program when our… Read more »
Where is Away? Exhibit at Lisle Library in March
SCARCE’s Where is Away? exhibit is will be on display at the Lisle Library March 2nd through March 30th …. Read more »
Corrugated Plastic Sign Recycling in Lombard March 18-23
Do you have corrugated plastic political signs in your yard? After you cast your vote on March 17th,… Read more »
We’re Moving!
Update 03/20/20: Due to COVID-19 concerns, our re-opening is postponed. Please check here for updates. We are so… Read more »
Books Feed the Mind with Food Pantry Partnerships
Getting books to those in need is a community effort. Through our book rescue, we primarily reach teachers… Read more »
Due to Increased Costs, Shredded Paper Recycling Discontinued
Due to increased recycling costs, SCARCE must discontinue our shredded paper recycling service, effective immediately. We apologize for… Read more »
Where is Away? Exhibit at Addison Public Library in February
SCARCE’s Where is Away? exhibit is will be on display at the Addison Public Library February 3rd – March 1st. Visitors… Read more »
New Sustainable ‘Cookbook’ guides Libraries to be Sustainability Hubs
As centers for learning and community engagement, libraries have a unique opportunity to serve as resources to foster… Read more »
Where is Away? Exhibit at Oak Brook Public Library during January
SCARCE’s Where is Away? exhibit is will be on display at the Oak Brook Public Library January 2nd-31st. Visitors of… Read more »
6th Annual Pumpkin Smash Helps Communities ‘Green’ Halloween
The 2019 Pumpkin Smash took place on Saturday, November 2nd in 47 locations across Illinois. The word about… Read more »
Coat Drive Dec 9th-30th
SCARCE is running a winter coat drive December 9th-December 30th, 2020. All collected items will be donated for… Read more »
Holiday Light Recycling Locations Winter 2019-2020
‘Tis the season of holiday light recycling programs! As you deck the halls, set aside your broken, tangled,… Read more »
Preserving music with The Great 78 Project
Did you know that as part of our collection projects, we accept music records? They go to our… Read more »
Last Call: PUR brand product recycling ends October 15th
After October 15th, SCARCE will no longer be accepting PUR brand water filters, pitchers and accessories for recycling…. Read more »
Where is Away? Exhibit at Helen Plum Library through October 29th
SCARCE’s Where is Away? exhibit is currently on display at the Helen Plum Library in Lombard through October 29th. Visitors… Read more »
Thinking about going solar? Now’s the time with new incentives available
Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act passed in 2016, new incentives are available for Illinois residents to install… Read more »
New Incentives for Schools Make Solar Energy More Affordable than Ever
Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act passed in 2016, new incentives are available for Illinois schools to… Read more »
Temporarily Not Accepting School Supply Donations
Due to a wildly busy spring and summer of donations here at SCARCE, we will temporarily not be… Read more »
Where is Away? Exhibit at Wheaton Public Library through September
SCARCE’s Where is Away? exhibit is currently on display at the Wheaton Public Library through the end of… Read more »
John Williams, WGN, Interviews Kay
Back-to-School with SCARCE Last Thursday, John Williams, host of the long-running WGN afternoon news show, interviewed Kay McKeen about the latest… Read more »
Bread Tag Recycling Provides Wheelchair for Local Child
In 2017 we began collecting plastic bread tags for recycling through Danielle Cares for Chairs. This summer we got… Read more »
Water Quality Flag Program Wins National Award
The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized our Water Quality Flag program with a 2019 Achievement Award in… Read more »
College of DuPage President Recognizes SCARCE with ‘Community Promise Award’
At their second annual community breakfast, which focuses on continued collaboration between College of DuPage and area businesses… Read more »
Sustainable Design Challenge Prizes Awarded to Students from Six Local Schools
The 13th annual Sustainable Design Challenge took place on Tuesday, April 16th and featured over 30 student groups… Read more »
Seasonal Collection May 1st-31st: Plastic Garden Pots
SCARCE has partnered with a local organization to collect plastic grow pots and flats for reuse this Spring…. Read more »
Hot Topics: April 2019
Hot Topics highlights eco-news from the past month worth another mention. Click through for links to the original stories…. Read more »
April 2019 Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
New Collection: X-Ray, MRI & Lithographic Film
SCARCE is now offering recycling for x-ray, MRI and lithographic film. If you are cleaning out and come… Read more »
March 2019 Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
How to Recycle Shredded Paper at SCARCE CANCELED
As of January 15th 2020, SCARCE is NOT accepting shredded paper for recycling due to increased costs for… read more
New “Where is Away?” Exhibit Available for Local Libraries
Recycling can be very confusing – it can trip up even the most avid recycler. That’s why contamination… Read more »
Season of Giving: End-of-Year Rescue and Relief Projects
December was a busy and exciting month for SCARCE and our resource center. We worked on two separate… Read more »
Pumpkin Smash Brings in Record Haul
The 5th annual Pumpkin Smash offered residents 38 locations across Illinois where they could green their Halloween by… Read more »
Corrugated Plastic Sign Recycling in Lombard Nov 7-19
Do you have corrugated plastic political signs in your yard? After you cast your vote on Tuesday, be… Read more »
Holiday Light Recycling Locations Winter 2018-2019
‘Tis the season of holiday light recycling programs! As you deck the halls, set aside your broken, tangled,… Read more »
New Collection: CD, DVD, and Video Game Disks CANCELED
As of February 10th, 2020, SCARCE is no longer accepting disks for recycling. SCARCE is happy to share… read more
Hot Topics: June 2018
Hot Topics highlights eco-news from the past month worth another mention. Click through for links to the original stories…. Read more »
June Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
SCARCE and DuPage County Award Four Organizations with Environmental Flags
April and May are always big months for our certification programs – so much so they deserve their… Read more »
May 2018 Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics: April 2018
Hot Topics highlights eco-news from the past month worth another mention. Click through for links to the original stories…. Read more »
April 2018 Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
New Terracycle Collection: Burt’s Bees Packaging
SCARCE now offers a new collection for hard-to-recycle items. As part of a new Terracycle brigade, we now… Read more »
Hot Topics March 2018
Hot Topics highlights eco-news from the past month worth another mention. Click through for links to the original stories…. Read more »
March Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
New Terracycle Collection: NOW Foods Flexible Packaging
SCARCE now offers a new collection for hard-to-recycle items. As part of a new Terracycle brigade, we now… Read more »
February 2018 Eco-Extraordinaires
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics February 2018
Reduce Your Climate Change Impact In 10 Minutes Or Less: Opt Out of Phone Book Delivery Thanks to… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires January 2018
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Celebrating 2018 Grant Awards at SCARCE
This past year SCARCE applied for grants to aid in the continuation of some of our programs and… Read more »
The 2017 Pumpkin Smash Had a Big Impact
This year there were over 36 locations across Illinois where residents could green their Halloween by composting their… Read more »
Holiday Light Recycling Locations Winter 2017-2018
‘Tis the season of holiday light recycling programs! As you deck the halls, set aside your broken, tangled,… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires December 2017
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics November 2017
A selection of environmental news and things-to-know. Scroll down to view each brief synopsis, click the title for… Read more »
SCARCE Aids in Hurricane Relief
The United States has had a very eventful hurricane season, to say the least. Recovery efforts in Houston… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires October 2017
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics October 2017
A selection of environmental news and things-to-know. Scroll down to view each brief synopsis, click the title for… Read more »
Hot Topics September 2017
A handful of important articles and events from the news and other environmental organizations from the past month…. Read more »
Hot Topics August 2017
Shedd Joins Aquariums Nationwide to Reduce Plastic Pollution Our plastic pollution problem is big and our aquariums are… Read more »
New Collection: Plastic Bread Tags
SCARCE is glad to announce that we are now collecting plastic bread tags for recycling in partnership with Danielle… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires June 2017
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
SCARCE Founder Recognized by West Suburban Philanthropic Network
Kay McKeen, founder and director of SCARCE, was awarded the 2017 Nonprofit Executive of the Year by the… Read more »
We are Open During Construction!
Two buildings in our business complex are being torn down to make way for a new Panera Bread… Read more »
Focus on Energy Film Fest Winners Announced at Red Carpet Event
On Sunday April 23rd SCARCE’s Focus on Energy film fest culminated in a showing of the diverse smart grid… Read more »
Six Eco-Flags Earned by Local Schools, Church during Earth Month
April was buzzing with the excitement of Earth Flag, Ecology Flag, and Water Quality Flag ceremonies. We were… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires May 2017
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics May 2017
Business and Innovation in Food Waste ReFed – a government and private sector collaboration – has released new… Read more »
The 2017 Sustainable Design Challenge moment you’ve been waiting for…
The 2017 Sustainable Design Challenge brought 28 teams of local high school students to the… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires April 2017
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics April 2017
A handful of important articles from the news and other environmental organizations from the past month. Scroll down… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires March 2017
Check out this month’s local leaders in green. Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that… Read more »
Hot Topics March 2017
A handful of important articles from the news and other environmental organizations from the past month. Scroll down and… Read more »
Getting the Plastic Out of Our Personal Care Products
Some of our personal hygiene practices have some dirty side effects for the environment. Plastic microbeads became a common ingredient… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires February 2017
Fellowes Brands Works to Keep Unused Furniture from Going to Waste Itasca-based Fellowes contacted SCARCE after Thanksgiving with a large amount… Read more »
Soil – It’s a Vital Natural Resource. You Dig?
Soil, A Vital Resource Consider life-sustaining resources. Air and water are often first to come to mind but a… Read more »
Earth Flags Awarded to Three Community Organizations in Fall 2016
Each year SCARCE works with a variety of schools, businesses, and community organizations to earn their Earth Flag certification…. Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires January 2017
Calvary Episcopal Church Grows Local Produce for Area Food Pantry Calvary Episcopal Church of Lombard built their community gardens… Read more »
Hot Topics January 2017
How Much Waste Do We Produce? EPA Stats Released We generate a lot of waste in the US…. Read more »
Green Field Trip: Method’s ‘Southside Soapbox’ & Lakeshore Recycling Systems
This December the SCARCE education staff got the opportunity to visit two environmental sites that had been… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires December 2016
Westmont Jr. High’s #PickUp5 Litter Clean-Up To celebrate America Recycles Day, students in the Outdoor Environmental Club at… Read more »
Eco-Extraordinaires November 2016
Woodridge Eagle Scout Spreads Storm Drain Awareness An Eagle Scout in Woodridge placed 165 storm drain medallions near… Read more »
Hot Topics October 2016
A handful of important articles from the news and other environmental organizations from the past month. Scroll down and… Read more »
Hot Topics September 2016
A handful of important articles from the news and other environmental organizations from the past month. Scroll down and… Read more »
New Law Encourages Schools to Donate Food
This is Part 1 of a series. Read Part 2 SCARCE Director, Kay McKeen has long been aware… Read more »
Resource Rescue Round-Up: Garden Goods
One of the great ways that SCARCE serves the community is by connecting non-profits… Read more »
Return of the Oysters: Water Quality and Shellfish Fans Rejoice!
Happy National Oyster Day! If you intend to snack on some mollusks in celebration, here are some morsels of… Read more »
Kay McKeen Earns the Recycler of the Year Award!
On July 20th, SCARCE Executive Director – Kay McKeen, was presented with the Steve Apotheker Award for Illinois Recycler… Read more »
IKEA Life Improvement Challenge – WE WON!
We cannot begin to find the words to thank our new friends at IKEA for our new and… Read more »
Storm Drain Medallions – Keep our Waterways Clean
Thanks to a wonderful grant from the DuPage Foundation, we have been able to help four municipalities place… Read more »
