Sustainability Commission, 17 Jul 2026: Waste Down, Solar Permits Holding Steady

The Northbrook Sustainability Commission met July 16, 2026, reviewing multi-year trends in landfill waste, solar permits, and single-use bag usage, and demonstrating a new recycling guidance tool now available to residents.

Trustee Liaison Role Introduced

Trustee Heather Ross joined the meeting as the newly introduced Board Liaison to the Sustainability Commission, a role Chair Reynolds described as a significant step toward a stronger partnership with the Board. Trustee Ross explained that the Community and Sustainability Committee has three voting members and makes recommendations to the full Board of Trustees. She noted that a Board discussion on a buckthorn program concluded with the majority directing the matter to Public Works staff, with staff capacity and comparisons to other communities cited as factors.

Waste, Solar, and Single-Use Bag Data

Liaison Kate Carney presented data spanning 2012 through May 2026 showing landfill waste trending downward, with the bulk of the composting program attributed to food waste. Solar permit activity was noted at 17 permits issued so far in 2026, with the majority for battery installations and an average higher than 2025 — a stronger result than Carney had anticipated given uncertainty around federal incentives. Single-use bag usage is also down, though over one million bags have been distributed by retailers since the program's tracking began; Member Weiss asked where bag-tax revenue goes, and Carney explained she proposes programs to the Board for approval.

Recycle Coach App Now Live

The Recycle Coach recycling guidance tool is now live for Northbrook residents, accessible via a website and downloadable app. Carney demonstrated features including LRS recycling guidelines, a collection calendar, and the ability to add notifications. Member Suarez asked about printed materials for Go Green staff; Carney said the tool is referenced in Northbrook newsletters and offered to provide additional information.

2026 Green Moments Schedule

The commission reviewed the remaining 2026 Green Moments lineup: August 25 (presenter TBD, Cecily Stash), September 22 (Garden Update), October 27 (Pumpkin Smash, Becky Lee or Aaron Stash), and December 8 (TBD). Liaison Carney also reminded members to submit ideas for the 2027 Climate Action Day event by August 10, 2026, and noted that Northbrook Community Gardens leader Brian Bruce will need a successor by May 2027.

Read the official documents

{
  "card_hook": "Northbrook landfill waste is falling and solar permits are up in 2026, while the Recycle Coach app goes live for residents.",
  "key_items": [
    {
      "title": "Landfill Waste and Recycling Trends",
      "why_matters": "Multi-year data shows Northbrook residents are sending less waste to landfills, and the commission discussed how better communication could reinforce that progress."
    },
    {
      "title": "Solar Permits Holding Stronger Than Expected",
      "why_matters": "Seventeen solar permits have been issued so far in 2026 — mostly for battery storage — at a pace above 2025 despite uncertainty over federal incentives."
    },
    {
      "title": "Recycle Coach App Now Available",
      "why_matters": "Northbrook residents can now use the free Recycle Coach app or website to look up recycling rules and get collection calendar reminders tied to local LRS guidelines."
    },
    {
      "title": "Buckthorn Program Referred to Public Works",
      "why_matters": "The Board directed the buckthorn removal program to Public Works staff rather than the Sustainability Commission, with staff capacity and peer-community comparisons to follow."
    },
    {
      "title": "Northbrook Community Gardens Needs New Leader by May 2027",
      "why_matters": "Current Northbrook Community Gardens leader Brian Bruce will step down in May 2027, and the commission flagged the need to find new leadership for the program."
    }
  ]
}