A better alternative for transponder recycling

The Daily Herald article on I-PASS transponders included incorrect recycling information that the Illinois Tollway used in its letters to drivers who have expiring plastic transponders. The plastic I-PASS transponders that are being retired when they expire have embedded lithium batteries.

It probably won’t be helpful to follow the Tollway’s instructions to search earth911.com for companies that recycle unembedded lithium batteries.

Here are the correct instructions, which the Solid Waste Agency of Cook County included in its January 2025 newsletter: “You can drop off your transponder at the Belvedere Oasis, Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis, or the Lake Forest Oasis. NEW! For residents of SWANCC member communities, plastic transponders are now accepted at SWANCC electronic recycling events”

Mostly importantly, be aware that, for safety reasons, the old plastic transponders do not belong in curbside trash or recycling bins (same goes for unembedded lithium batteries; that’s the reason for battery collection bins in stores and other locations). So please hold on to your expired transponders until you can drop them off at an Oasis or, when resumed later this year, an electronics recycling event.

The good news is that the stickers that are replacing the old plastic transponders have no batteries to manage.

Amy Hartsough, Chair

Hoffman Estates Sustainability Commission