Recycling Requirements: Chicago vs Tinley Park
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Chicago, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Chicago and Tinley Park 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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park residents receive single-stream recycling collection through Homewood Disposal. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers (#1, #2, #5), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. Plastic bags, foam, food-soiled items, and tanglers are not accepted. Recycling is mandatory under state and local waste reduction goals.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Blue cart single-stream recycling | Single-stream |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, metals, glass | - |
| Not Accepted | Styrofoam, plastic bags | - |
| 5+ Units | Private scavenger must provide recycling | - |
| Enforcement | Primarily educational | - |
| Plastics | - | #1, #2, #5 |
| Glass | - | Bottles and jars |
| Plastic Bags | - | Grocery drop-off |
| Contamination | - | Lands whole load in trash |
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
What can I recycle in Tinley Park?
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers marked #1, #2, or #5, aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. Place items loose in the recycling cart, rinsed and empty.
Can I put plastic bags in recycling?
No. Plastic bags jam sorting machinery. Take clean plastic bags and film to grocery store drop-off bins. Never bag your recyclables; place items loose in the cart.
What about pizza boxes?
Clean portions (lid) yes; heavily greased or food-soiled portions no. Cut away the clean cardboard for recycling and compost or landfill the greasy bottom.
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