Schaumburg vs Skokie
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Schaumburg, IL and Skokie, IL?
Schaumburg and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Schaumburg | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single-stream curbside | - |
| Cart Size | 65 gallons | - |
| Accepted | Paper, plastic, glass, metal | - |
| Not Accepted | Bags, styrofoam, food-soiled | - |
| Multi-Family | Must provide recycling | - |
| 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.
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.
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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