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Project E.A.R.T.H

The Coles County Peace and Justice Fund supported by Shirley and Robert McClean with the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation awards grants to organizations in Coles County for programs and activities that encourage mutual trust and promote cross-cultural understanding on matters of social justice and human rights, religious tolerance, and environmental protection. The Douglas-Hart Foundation is happy to announce that we have been awarded funds to begin a recycling program at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center in partnership with Eastern Illinois Area Special Education’s (EIASE) Recycling Program. 

Project Goals
  1. Through this service, The Douglas-Hart Foundation hopes to increase the overall amount of materials recycled through the EIASE recycling program by being a recycling drop-off site on the Northeast side of Mattoon.
  2. Project EARTH aims to raise awareness to the environmental concerns of waste disposal by hosting community recycling days in partnership with EIASE Recycling. Stay tuned for community recycling dates to be announced. 
  3. By providing this service, Project EARTH also aims to increase awareness and support for EIASE Recycling, a local community program that benefits individuals with disabilities.

How to Enroll
  1. You must be a member of the Douglas-Hart Foundation to use these services. CLICK HERE to learn more about becoming a member. 
  2. Read and sign the electronic Project EARTH Recycling Agreement that includes our recycling guidelines and approved recyclables. If you would like a copy of this information, the documents are available below in .pdf format.
  3. A staff member will contact you with your member ID and further information after reviewing the agreement.

Recycling Guidelines
The Douglas-Hart Foundation has outlined recycling guidelines for members to use this service.
​View guidelines here:
Project EARTH complies with EIASE Recycling Program's list of approved recyclables.
​View approved recyclables here:

OR, Recyle at EIASE:
​The Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education's (EIASE) Academy Recycling Program is an opportunity for students with various ability levels to come together and gain work experience. This program is designed to teach students skills they can use in the workplace or in their everyday lives after finishing high school. Within the recycling center, job coaches teach and supervise the students to sort and process recyclable items. As part of the program, the students are given the unique experience of being able to take part in each step of the recycling process. All proceeds from recycling are utilized to create and support work experience opportunities for students.

Did you know you can drop-off recycling directly at the EIASE Recycling Center in their collection cage?

Here are a couple reminders for taking your recyclables to EIASE Recycling: 
  • All bags with recyclables should be tied.
  • No loose paper.
  • Break down cardboard
  • Be weather aware - do not drop-off during inclement weather. 

​Summer Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-2:30pm
School Year Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-2:30pm (EIASE follows the Mattoon School District calendar for days off)

EIASE Recycling
1615 Lake Land Blvd
Mattoon, IL 61938