We all know that it’s important to recycle. However, it’s not always convenient to do so; especially those specialty items such as batteries, light bulbs and Styrofoam. Well, recycling just got easier: The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is holding its monthly recycling drive on Saturday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Metra Station parking lot on Main Street in McHenry. Owners of McHenry County real estate should make sure to stop by to drop off the florescent tubes and other specialty recyclable materials that have been collecting around the house.

The drive is accepting various batteries including rechargeable, car, lithium and button. However, alkaline batteries will not be taken at this time. You can also drop off clean white Styrofoam, packing peanuts and un-popped bubble wrap. If recycling fluorescent tubes, the Defenders ask that you provide a monetary donation to help offset the costs associated with processing this item.

Do you have unwanted electronics including computers, phones, printers and electronic toys? You can recycle those as well. Children and adults alike can make a little cash by collecting aluminum cans and dropping them off with the Defenders. For more information, visit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County website.

Are you ready to “recycle” you old house and move into a Gerstad Builders home? Now is the time. We’re offering our biggest incentive yet: An 11 percent discount on new ranch or two-story homes at Liberty Trails, Bailey Estates and the Trails of Dawson Creek until March 17. For more information, visit the Gerstad Builders website.