Kane County held its first major recycling event of the year – dubbed “The Big One” – in St. Charles on Saturday morning, which offered a chance to recycle a wide variety of items from batteries and electronics to clothes and bicycles. The drive-thru event at 540 S. Randall Road in St. Charl es also included paper shredding as well. Vince Rucolas of Pingree Grove recently did some housecleaning so the event came at a perfect time. “I’m getting rid of three computers and have some paper shredding,” Rucolas said as he waited in his car that was in line with dozens of others to get into the event. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to get rid of some things in an environmentally good way.” Clair Ryan, recycling coordinator for Kane County, said Saturday’s event was significant in that it was held so early in the year. “This is much earlier in the year than we normally do it,” Ryan said. “We wanted to have maybe less competition with other peoples’ spring and Earth Month events and stuff like that, so we moved it ahead a little bit.” A special lane was formed just for paper shredding at the event. “A free document shredding is pretty hard to come across,” Ryan said. “That’s probably one of the biggest draws – the free shredding that happens in front of you. We hire these mobile shredding trucks that actually perform the shredding on site.” Kim Valentine of Geneva was one of more than a dozen volunteers on hand to help at the event. “As far as why I do this – I believe in it – it’s the right thing to do. It’s great to see so many things going on with Kane County Recycling and I feel it’s getting better and better,” Valentine said. “I want everybody to think positively about recycling.” Ryan said that the event usually draws about 700 cars. More than 100 cars were lined up before the event even began on Saturday morning. Eric Johnson of Geneva was among the many who brought paper to be shredded. “There’s a pretty good crowd. I found out about this online and I come to things like this anytime there is an event,” he said. “If there’s one, I’m here.” Debbie Gurley, of Geneva, said she arrived about 7:30 a.m. – about a half-hour before the 8 a.m. start time – and like Johnson had brought along paper for shredding. “This is only the second one of these I’m come to, but as far as the accessibility and so forth, I think it’s great,” she said. “I’m glad to have the opportunity and I’ve thankful they offer this.” David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. ...read more read less