Recycling Requirements: Chicago vs Skokie
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL?
Chicago and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's blue cart recycling program accepts single-stream recyclables for 1-4 unit residential buildings. The city encourages recycling but enforcement of contamination and non-recycling is primarily educational.
View full Chicago rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie provides curbside single-stream recycling collection weekly alongside trash collection. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and most rigid plastics labeled #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and tanglers like hoses and wire must be kept out. Contamination can result in loads being rejected.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Blue cart single-stream recycling | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, metals, glass | - |
| Not Accepted | Styrofoam, plastic bags | - |
| 5+ Units | Private scavenger must provide recycling | - |
| Enforcement | Primarily educational | - |
| System | - | Single-stream weekly |
| Accepted Plastics | - | #1, #2, #5 typical |
| Bags | - | Grocery drop-off only |
| Styrofoam | - | Not accepted |
| Tanglers | - | Keep out |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
What can I recycle in my blue cart in Chicago?
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7), metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and cartons. Do not include Styrofoam, plastic bags, or food-soiled items.
Will I be fined if I don't recycle in Chicago?
Chicago does not typically fine residents for not recycling. The focus is on education and participation. However, contaminated carts (non-recyclables mixed in) may not be emptied.
Skokie FAQ
What goes in my Skokie recycling cart?
Paper, flattened cardboard, paperboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and rigid plastics #1, #2, and #5. All materials go in the single recycling cart.
Can I recycle plastic bags?
Not in your curbside cart. Plastic bags tangle sorting equipment. Take plastic bags to grocery store drop-off bins. Never bag your recycling; place items loose in the cart.
What about Styrofoam and plastic #6?
Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, #6) is generally not accepted in curbside recycling. Some retailers and SWANCC drop-off events accept Styrofoam; check current options with Public Works at (847) 933-8427.
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