An Illinois House Committee this week approved legislation that will establish an industry driven, statewide recycling program that would be provided by bag manufacturers throughout the State of Illinois. 

The program would be the first of its kind in the country. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Michael Tryon of Crystal Lake, requires plastic bag and wrapper manufacturers to establish collection sites within 10 miles of Illinois residents in 90 percent of counties by 2014. Tryon hopes the bill can be agreed upon for a free program for tax payers.

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Rep. Tryon says it took three years to put together. He would like to see the program run similarly to that of electronic recycling programs, which most are run independent of the government.

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Rep. Tryon explains they are trying to work out how the program will run in communities with local recycling programs already in place. He feels it can be worked out and looks forward to getting the program up and running.

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The program that will also evaluate plastic bag and wrapper recycling rates, would expire in 4 years unless it is renewed by the General Assembly.

The bill, which was approved by the House Environmental Health Committee, will now go before the full House for their consideration.