MWRD Resource Recovery Program

Recovering Resources, Transforming Water.

The MWRD continues its legacy of innovation and ingenuity through its Resource Recovery Program. In 2016 the Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance to provide for the recovery and reuse of resources at the MWRD water reclamation plants.

The MWRD views used water as a collection of raw resources to be recovered and reused beneficially. Through its Resource Recovery Program, the MWRD is aiming to reduce greenhouse gases and create a more sustainable environment. The agency is accepting non-hazardous high strength liquid organic material (HSOM), high strength liquid waste (HSLW), vegetative material, such as yard waste, and wood chips. The MWRD uses these materials to produce its exceptional quality composted biosolids and renewable energy (biogas).  It’s also producing fertilizer from phosphorus recovered during the water treatment process to reduce its release into the waterways. 

The MWRD’s Resource Recovery Program offers a greener alternative for disposal of these resources. We accept deliveries from qualified municipalities and industrial, trade, agricultural, and other commercial companies.

Keep your waste haul local and out of landfills and incinerators.  Partner with the MWRD to discard your material in an environmentally friendly manner.

Apply now for the program that fits your needs.  Contact each program listed below directly for more information:

Biological Phosphorus Removal (Bio-P)

The MWRD’s Bio-P removal process is a by-permit-only program with delivery locations ready to receive high-carbon strength organic materials (HSOM). Industry users can apply now to deliver HSOM in an environmentally friendly manner at either one of the following two locations:

  • Stickney Water Reclamation Plant: 6001 W Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL 60804
  • Calumet Water Reclamation Plant: 400 E 130th St, Chicago, IL 60628

For more information or to inquire about your participation in the program, please contact us at BioP@mwrd.org or call 312-751–3044. If you’re interested in participating, please fill out our First Contact Questionnaire.

 

Phosphorus

Yard Waste Collection Centers

Landscapers, tree trimmers, municipalities, parks and forest preserves, and waste haulers can apply to dispose of woodchips, grass clippings, brush and leaves in an environmentally friendly manner. Materials received are used in the production of our exceptional quality (EQ) composted biosolids, a soil amendment rich in organic matter.

Materials can be delivered to the following collection center, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

Cost:

Woodchips – No Charge

Vegetative Material (brush, grass clippings, leaves) – $10/ton ($10/load minimum)

Requirements:

Woodchips should adhere to the requirements set forth in the MWRD’s Resource Recovery Ordinance. Woodchips should be processed to a size measuring less than one inch in two dimensions and must be brought in bulk (un-bagged) and free of glass, gravel, plastic bags and other debris.

Want to become a supplier? To begin the process, please submit the following information to yardwaste@mwrd.org:

Upon receipt, a representative from the MWRD will be in contact with you.

Email yardwaste@mwrd.org or call 708-588-4303 if you have questions.

 

 

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