Chicago provides blue cart recycling and black cart garbage collection for 1-4 unit residential buildings. The Department of Streets and Sanitation manages cart placement rules and collection schedules through the sanitation code.
Chicago's sanitation code requires proper storage and placement of garbage and recycling carts. Carts should be placed at the curb or alley by 7 AM on collection day and retrieved by the end of collection day. Carts should not be stored on the public way between collection days. Owners of buildings with 5+ units must arrange private scavenger service and provide sufficient containers for all tenants. The city provides standard black (garbage) and blue (recycling) carts for 1-4 unit residences. Overflowing bins or garbage scattered on the property can result in sanitation code violations. Residents should remove doors/lids from discarded appliances before disposal.
Sanitation code violations carry fines of $50 to $500 per offense. Failure to maintain clean premises or properly store waste may result in citations from the Department of Streets and Sanitation.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Landmark Commission approval is required only for perma...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Property maintenance complaints are handled under MCC Section 13...
Chicago, IL
Chicago requires Department of Buildings permits for outdoor kitchens with gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under MCC Chapter 14A. Trade work must ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specifically regulating residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under Chicago Municipal Code Section 11-...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle trash bin storage.
See how Chicago's trash bin storage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.