Chicago, IL Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Provider
- City is exclusive collector, 1-4 unit buildings
- Fee
- $9.50 per month per dwelling unit
- 5+ units
- Must use private licensed scavenger
- Curb set-out
- Evening before designated collection day
- Late penalty
- 1.25% monthly after 24 days
Summary
Chicago is the exclusive refuse collector for single homes and buildings with four or fewer units, billed $9.50 per month per dwelling.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the City shall be the exclusive provider of refuse collection services to the dwelling units identified in subsection (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iv)... for dwelling units: (i) a single dwelling; (ii) a multiple dwelling containing four or fewer dwelling units... The owner of any dwelling unit... required to have City refuse collection pursuant to this section shall be responsible for payment of a refuse collection fee of $9.50 per month per dwelling unit
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MCC 7-28-235, the City of Streets and Sanitation is the exclusive refuse collection provider for single dwellings, multiple dwellings of four or fewer units, qualifying townhouses, and small bed-and-breakfasts, as long as the unit abuts the public way and the container is set out per 7-28-230. Owners pay a $9.50 monthly refuse collection fee per dwelling unit, billed on the unified statement of charges. Larger buildings (five-plus units) must arrange private scavenger service instead. Curb containers under 7-28-230(b) may go out no earlier than the evening before the designated collection day and must come off the public way by the evening of collection day.
Violations & Fines
Late refuse collection fees draw a 1.25% monthly penalty if unpaid within 24 days of billing; a full payment certificate for refuse charges is required before any real property transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
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Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle collection schedule.