The Ecology Action Center (EAC) is the environmental sustainability agency for Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County, Illinois, providing a wide range of programs and services relative to waste reduction, energy efficiency, clean water protection, air quality improvements, and more.

What started out as successful one-time recycling drive in 1971, Operation Recycle grew over 50 years into what is now the Ecology Action Center. One unique role of the EAC is acting as the Solid Waste Agency for McLean County which includes solid waste planning and management, coordination of household hazardous waste collection events, and technical services such as the annual calculation of the community wide waste generation and recycling rate. The EAC’s Education Coordinator visits almost every 3rd and 4th grade classroom in the county to teach students about clean water, waste reduction, and recycling and visits nearly every library over the summer to take part in their summer library program. BN Energy Bright helps residents achieve energy efficiency goals, provides home and business energy audits, and information on solar options in Illinois. The EAC’s newest program, Tree Corps, aims to plant 10,000 trees every year in the county and connects income qualifying residents with free trees and tree care education. Among other projects and programs, the EAC plays a big role in their community in Central Illinois.