Chicago, IL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Chicago requires standard and commercial refuse containers to be set at the public alley lot line, immediately accessible to collection trucks: the property owner must provide suitable space there. A container may go in the public way only if the property lacks alley space (as determined by Streets and Sanitation) and the structure predates July 31, 1999. For curb collections, carts may be set out no earlier than the evening before the designated collection day and must be pulled back by the evening of collection day. Containers must also keep a tightly fitting lid on at all times except when refuse is being deposited or removed, and refuse can't be piled against or on top of a container in a way that blocks the lid from closing.