After months of discussion, the Downers Grove Village Council ensured recycling plants will not be built in anyone’s backyard.

The Village Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to create a 1,320-foot buffer zone between any facilities and residential properties. The only exemptions would be near the tollway and village property. Any facilities still will require a special-use permit, and village officials will work on crafting new definitions of recycling collection facilities for the village’s zoning ordinance.

When the construction of a debris recycling facility was first proposed in April, hundreds of residents came forward to demand it not be built near their apartments. The proposal was withdrawn by the developer, but the issue prompted officials to re-evaluate policies on the structures.

Buffer zones were first discussed June 26 but were met with further resident protest because the ordinance contained exemptions allowing facilities to be built near forest preserves and the Morton Arboretum, which is located in Lisle but borders Downers Grove. An initial staff recommendation of a 1,000-foot buffer also was deemed insufficient by residents who said the village should adhere to the state’s policy, which is 1,320 feet.

While residents were reassured at the Sept. 25 village workshop meeting their properties would be well removed from any proposed recycling buildings, several residents spoke out against the Morton Arboretum and forest preserve exemptions Tuesday.

“An industrial type facility with no setback lessens the area that is desirable,” said resident Gordon Goodman. “The zero setback option is inconsistent with our village’s stated purpose as a place that values trees and green space.”

Resident Tim Meaney said if the village disregarded the natural space it borders on, it could hurt Downers Grove’s image. Resident John Schofield noted because the Arboretum is zoned as residential, it seems irrational for it to be singled out by name to be removed from protections.

Commissioner Martin Tully said he believed the arguments against the exemptions were rational. Dropping the language and passing the ordinance was a good end to the process, he added. Commission Marilyn Schnell said she was happy to be able to reassure residents the council had been listening to them.

Morton Arboretum Public Relations Manager Gina Tedesco said she was very pleased with the outcome.

“We think the council made a very wise choice for the right reasons,” she said. “We believe this will help protect environmentally sensitive areas.”