In case you were wondering what those big steel bins across from the fire department on Oakton Street are, they are part of the Des Plaines Recycling and Public Health Center. Recycling has started to become an important method to combat pollution. Most of the trash in the United States had previously been disposed of by dumping or burning.

With air pollution and public health problems prevalent today, however, local dumps have been replaced by land fills. By the land fill method, the waste is covered by a layer of earth. Since land of little economic value is used and the filled areas can be used for recreational areas, the land fill method is advantageous. A major disadvantage of this method is the huge amount of land that is used.

With the Des Plaines Recycling Center land is saved, garbage pick‑ups are lessened, and garbage can be recycled. After the trash is put into the bins, it is sent to the Cleveland Corporation in Evanston where it is separated into its isolated parts.

The Recycling and Public Health Center is well used by the people of Des Plaines and has encountered quite a few problems. The main problem is that people do not

separate glass according to its color. Foil and cardboard are often mixed with paper, while tires and car parts are also mixed in.

The Cook County Department of Public Health at 1401 Oakton Street provides various services for the people of Des Plaines and surrounding areas. T h e public health department is designed to prevent disease, prolong life, and improve public health. Their facilities range from infant care to environmental sanitation.

The health department offers child health conferences which supervise well children from birth to five years, whose parents cannot pay for such care. They also provide immunization clinics, and family planning clinics as well as V.D. treatment services for those who cannot afford medical treatment. Dental health services, a rheumatic fever program, and home nursing care services are also offered along with rabies and tuberculosis controls.

The health department works with state‑aided mental health clinics and employs a consultant to help families with mental health problems. The public health staff also works with the aged. A Family Health Counseling Referral Agency works with families, individuals, and community groups in solving health problems or community action programs.