Recycling Requirements: Evanston vs Skokie
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Evanston, IL and Skokie, IL?
Evanston and Skokie 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 →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 | Evanston | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | SWRO | - |
| Reporting | Required for facilities | - |
| Accepted | Paper, glass, metal, plastics | - |
| Portal | Electronic permit system | - |
| 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.
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.
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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