1. Presented To: Virginia Recycling Association Conference, May 16, 2017
Illinois Product Stewardship Council and Producer Responsibility in Illinois
Presented To: Virginia Recycling Association Conference, May 16, 2017
Presented By: Walter S. Willis, Executive Director, Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL, and member of IL Product Stewardship Council

2. Why my Agency Got Involved
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL represents 700,000 residents from 43 municipalities
Own and operate HHW facility
Operate largest escrap collection program in IL
Product Stewardship (PS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are part of SWM Plan, key to achieving 60% diversion goal, especially for hard to manage materials
Manufacturer involvement essential to shift to circular economy which will drive demand

3. How We Got Started
Began in 2010 with a grant from the Illinois Counties Solid Waste Management Association that allowed calls with PSI, and introduction to PS, and EPR concepts
PSI calls lead to formation of the IL Product Stewardship Council in 2014
Approximately 20 paying members, $20k per year budget with PSI acting as fiscal agent and consultant
Active lobbying on bills of interest
Website at

4. IL PSC Governance Incorporation Status: Not incorporated
How governed: Governed by paid members, elected Chairperson
Who can participate: Open to both public and private sectors, non-paying entities can still join monthly calls, but no voting rights
Product Stewardship Council’s Role: Coordinates and facilitates monthly membership calls, prepares meeting notes, provides technical expertise and guidance on IL PSC’s efforts
Lobbying: Lobbies state government directly
Funding: Annual membership dues used to fund PSI’s scope of work

5. EPR Success in IL Auto switches – 2006
Electronics – 2008, 2011 and 2015
IL PSC lead negotiator for local government last 2 years
IL collects approximately 50M lbs. per year or just under 4 lbs. per person/year
Proposed bill (SB 1417) will move IL to convenience standard approach in 2019
Mercury thermostats – 2010
Pharmaceuticals – Cook County ordinance passed in 2016

6. EPR Attempts in IL Plastic bags – 2011, 2012, bill vetoed by governor
Retailers and manufacturers recently offered language for a bill that would include a 5 cent per bag fee, with money to be used for env. programs, in return for a “ban on banning” plastic bags and other single use items
Paint – 2013 bill introduced as developed by IL PSC, did not pass due to retailer opposition
Carpet – 2014 and 2015 bills introduced with IL PSC input, did not pass due to manufacturers opposition
Bill developed using PSI matrix
Introduction of bill prompted carpet manufacturers to develop a national VPS program to combat EPR

7. Looking Forward
IL PSC is a known entity in State capitol, more effective lobbying with better organization
Now local government lobbyists are working together, more strength in numbers
IL PSC needs to achieve another EPR success, political environment is more challenging though
Need to better quantify the success of EPR legislation
SWALCO plan will continue to support PS and EPR, key to circular economy goal

8. Walter S. Willis wwillis@Swalco.org 847-377-4951
Contact Information
Walter S. Willis