Trash & Recycling in Chicago, IL (2026)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-28-230(b)

For curb collections, at the curb line not earlier than the evening preceding the designated collection day, and removal from the public way not later than the evening of such day, except for occupational units not operating on the day after collection.    (c)   No container used for the storage, collection and removal of garbage or other refuse shall be placed so as to constitute a nuisance to...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-28-230

Standard and commercial refuse containers shall be placed for collection in the following manner: (a)(1) ... for alley collections, at the public alley lot line on the premises served so as to be immediately accessible to refuse collection vehicles... (b) For curb collections, at the curb line not earlier than the evening preceding the designated collection day, and removal from the public way ...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 11-4-1860(a), (e)

The city council adopts the goal of making regular recycling service available by July 1, 1993, to 100 percent of the households in low-density dwellings served by the City of Chicago... Primary emphasis shall be placed on alley/curbside collection as the preferred means of providing recycling service to single-family residents.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-28-715

Any composting operation which meets the qualifications of paragraphs (3), (4) or (5) of this section shall be exempt from the permit requirements of Chapter 11-4 of this Code... No governing association... landlord, or any other owner of a dwelling unit may adopt, maintain, or enforce any covenant, bylaw, rule, or other restriction that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts a unit ow...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 11-4-1600(a)(1)

Any person found in violation of Sections 7-28-390, 7-28-440, or 11-4-1500 shall be fined according to the following schedule: (i) Up to 20 cubic yards of solid waste and up to 20 gallons of liquid waste: not less than $1,500.00 and not more than $2,500.00 (ii) Greater than 20 cubic yards or 20 gallons, but up to 50 cubic yards or 50 gallons: $5,000.00 (iii) ... but up to 100 cubic yards or 100...

Chicago Municipal Code § 10-28-799(B)

(B) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any provider to place or maintain a dumpster on the public way unless such provider shall first obtain a dumpster permit.

Chicago Municipal Code § 7-28-235

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the City shall be the exclusive provider of refuse collection services to the dwelling units identified in subsection (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iv)... for dwelling units: (i) a single dwelling; (ii) a multiple dwelling containing four or fewer dwelling units... The owner of any dwelling unit... required to have City refuse collection pursuant to this...

Municipal Code of Chicago § 11-5-010

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Chicago Recycling Ordinance". Effective January 1, 2017, source-separated recycling shall be deemed to be the method of recycling used in the City of Chicago. Source-separated recycling requires all persons citywide to place recyclable material in designated recycling containers and to keep recyclable material separate from waste until such t...