Champaign, IL Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 15-16, weekly removal requirement
- Minimum pickup frequency
- once per week
- Hauler requirement
- licensed commercial hauler (residential)
- Receptacle minimum size
- 6 gallons
- Receptacle standard
- watertight, rodent-proof, covered
- Minimum fine
- $205.00 per offense (Table I)
Summary
Champaign requires every property owner, agent and occupant to empty litter receptacles at least once a week, and residential properties must use a City-licensed commercial hauler to do it, meaning there is no do-it-yourself weekly haul-off option for houses and apartments.
Each owner, each owner's agent and each occupant shall be responsible for removing or causing to be removed the contents of receptacles used to store litter as required herein at least once each week, or more often if directed to do so by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, the Director of Public Works, or the Director's designee as necessary to address concerns about unsanitary conditions on the property. Each owner or owners' agent or occupant of a residential land use shall be required to use the services of a commercial hauler, licensed in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter, for the removal of the contents of receptacles as provided herein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
" The receptacles themselves must meet physical standards under Section 15-16(a): galvanized iron, impact-resistant plastic, painted steel or aluminum, at least six gallons in capacity, watertight, rodent-proof, and fitted with a close-fitting cover that stays shut except while being filled, emptied or cleaned. If the property relies on a receptacle owned by a commercial hauler rather than one it owns itself, Section 15-16(b) requires that receptacle to be labeled with the hauler's name, local business address and phone number, so code officers and neighbors can identify who is responsible for the container.
Violations & Fines
Failing to arrange weekly removal, or using an unlicensed hauler instead of a Chapter 15-licensed commercial hauler, exposes an owner or occupant to a Chapter 15 fine of at least $205.00 and up to $750.00 per offense under Table I and Section 1-21, and the Public Works Director may also issue a failure-to-comply ticket under Section 15-4 as a lower-cost alternative to a court complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I haul my own household trash to the dump instead of using a hauler?
How often does my trash have to be picked up?
What kind of trash can do I need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Champaign
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