Pilsen residents warn of toxic metals from metal scrapper, ask Pritzker to slow permit renewal

Pilsen residents are urging Governor JB Pritzker to delay the permit renewal of Sims Metal Management, a scrap metal operation accused of releasing toxic metals into the air. Despite a 2025 pollution control system installed by Sims, recent tests show increased levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and other metals, sparking community protests and calls for further scrutiny.