HR0973 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0973 LRB104 22283 ECR 38676 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) on the historic occasion of its 35th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, SWALCO was formed in 1991 to implement the Lake County Solid Waste Management Plan, which was adopted in 1989 when Lake County proudly became the first county in Illinois to comply with the Illinois Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act; and

WHEREAS, In June 2026, SWALCO will officially celebrate its 35th anniversary, marking over three decades of steadfast dedication to sustainable environmental stewardship and regional waste management excellence in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, SWALCO is currently composed of 45 dedicated members, including local municipalities, Lake County, and the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, representing approximately 85% of the county's population; and

WHEREAS, Since the SWALCO Board of Directors adopted its guiding mission statement in 1996, the agency has consistently sought to implement a regional approach to solid waste management that responsibly addresses the economic, political, and environmental issues confronting Lake County; and

WHEREAS, SWALCO remains committed to facilitating an efficient, reliable, and environmentally sound waste disposal system, advising and assisting its members, and educating the public regarding the immense implications of solid waste management options; and

WHEREAS, SWALCO works tirelessly to identify, evaluate, and disseminate crucial techniques to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste, ensuring that Lake County residents are provided with the essential programs and infrastructure needed to divert as much material from final disposal as possible; and

WHEREAS, With Lake County currently recycling 37% of its municipal waste, SWALCO has established ambitious and forward-thinking sustainability goals aiming for a 60% recycling goal by 2030, a feat that inspires members to continuously enhance recycling initiatives and implement programs to divert food scraps and organic material; and

WHEREAS, SWALCO continues to achieve these vital environmental milestones economically, fostering local job creation while steadfastly minimizing negative impacts on our shared environment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) on the historic occasion of its 35th anniversary, commend its leadership, members, and staff for their exceptional contributions to environmental stewardship, and extend our sincerest best wishes for their continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Board of Directors of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County as a symbol of our respect and esteem.