URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – For years, residents of Champaign County have faced the challenge of properly disposing of household hazardous waste such as paint, pesticides, and certain cleaning products. With the nearest collection facilities located in Naperville and the St. Louis area — both more than 100 miles away — many people end up storing or improperly disposing of these materials, which can harm the environment and pose health risks for humans and animals.
On Wednesday, the Champaign County Environmental Stewards (CCES) officially launched the public phase of its capital campaign to fund a much-needed Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facility in Urbana. Susan Monte, founder and executive director of CCES, said the proposed 5,800-square-foot facility will be located on a 4.7-acre site at 901 Saline Court in Urbana.
The group has already raised $1.196 million — roughly 42 percent of the estimated $2.85 million needed to complete the project. The funds have come from a mix of grants, local government support, and individual donations. An additional $1.654 million is still required to meet the goal.
Once the funding target is reached, the project could break ground as soon as 2025, depending on permits from local authorities and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Construction is expected to take about a year, with the facility potentially opening its doors by spring 2026.
A Growing Need
The facility will be crucial for keeping hazardous materials out of landfills, sewer systems, and groundwater. CCES officials pointed out that improper disposal can lead to contamination, medical risks, and damage to infrastructure.
Champaign Fire Chief Andy Quarnstrom stressed the dangers of improperly stored hazardous materials. “Some of these items can catch fire and pose a risk to the firefighters. That is part of the reason firefighters have a 20% higher instance of cancers.”
In addition to hazardous chemicals, the new facility will also accommodate the collection of electronic waste, unwanted paint, and batteries. Plans include a separate storage building to handle batteries, including lithium-ion varieties, which pose their own safety challenges.
A Community Effort
CCES is actively seeking donations from the community to complete the project, with incentives for donors available through the campaign’s website. The group is also exploring federal and state funding options to help meet the financial goal.
Katrina Olson, co-chair of the capital campaign, emphasized that the issue of hazardous waste disposal is one that affects everyone. “I hope to have grandchildren someday, and I want to leave a better place for them,” she said. “It really affects all of us. We all drink the water. We all live here, on the Earth. It’s important, and it’s our responsibility. It’s something we should all be concerned about.”
For those interested in contributing, more information and donation details can be found at ccenvstew.org/hhw-capitalcampaign. Checks can also be mailed to HHW Collection Facility, P.O. Box 1696, Champaign, IL 61824. If anyone has any questions about the project, they can call 217-600-1516 for further inquiries or arrangements.