Recycling Requirements: Evanston vs Schaumburg
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Evanston, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Evanston and Schaumburg have similar restriction levels.
Evanston, IL
Cook County
The Cook County Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance establishes a framework to increase recycling rates. The county requires data reporting from waste facilities and promotes recycling through education and facility oversight.
View full Evanston rules →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Schaumburg provides single-stream curbside recycling collected weekly. Residents receive a dedicated recycling cart and are encouraged to recycle paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Evanston | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | SWRO | - |
| Reporting | Required for facilities | - |
| Accepted | Paper, glass, metal, plastics | Paper, plastic, glass, metal |
| Portal | Electronic permit system | - |
| Type | - | Single-stream curbside |
| Cart Size | - | 65 gallons |
| Not Accepted | - | Bags, styrofoam, food-soiled |
| Multi-Family | - | Must provide recycling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Evanston FAQ
What can I recycle in Cook County?
Paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and certain plastics per Cook County recycling guidelines. Check with your waste hauler for specific accepted materials.
Is recycling mandatory in unincorporated Cook County?
The SWRO promotes recycling but enforcement focuses on waste facilities rather than individual households. Check with your waste hauler for recycling options.
Schaumburg FAQ
Do I need to sort my recyclables in Schaumburg?
No. Schaumburg uses single-stream recycling, so all accepted recyclables go in one cart. Just make sure items are clean, dry, and loose — do not bag them.
Can I recycle plastic bags in my curbside cart?
No. Plastic bags jam sorting equipment. Return plastic bags to grocery store collection bins. Place only rigid plastics (#1–#7) in your recycling cart.
What happens if I put non-recyclable items in the cart?
Contaminated carts may be tagged and left uncollected. Remove the prohibited items and the cart will be collected on the next scheduled pickup day.
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