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Lake County, IL Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum frequency
Every two weeks
Applies to
Single-family basic service
Governing chapter
Ch. 50, Solid Waste
License required
Yes, from the county

Summary

Licensed haulers in Lake County must collect recyclables from single-family homes at least once every two weeks as part of basic service.

City-specific rules exist: Waukegan has its own collection schedule rules that differ from Lake County's county-level regulations. If you live in Waukegan, check the city-specific page instead.

Each hauler operating within the county shall be required to offer... the collection of recyclable materials from any multifamily home, commercial business or institutional facility within the county and shall be required to provide the collection of recyclable materials, as part of basic service, from any single-family home, at least once every two weeks.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).

Full Breakdown

Under Lake County Code § 50.02(A), every hauler licensed to operate in the county must provide recyclable-material collection to single-family homes at least once every two weeks as part of its basic service, and must offer (though not necessarily provide free) recycling pickup to multifamily buildings, businesses and institutions. Municipalities such as Waukegan, Highland Park and Libertyville may license or franchise their own haulers and set additional terms, but the county's biweekly floor applies to any hauler holding a county license under § 50.03.

Violations & Fines

Haulers operating without a county license, or failing to offer the required recycling service, are subject to license suspension or revocation and administrative hearing under §§ 50.05 and 50.06.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must recycling be picked up in Lake County?
Licensed haulers must collect recyclables from single-family homes at least once every two weeks as part of basic service, per Code § 50.02(A).
Does this apply inside cities like Waukegan?
Municipalities can license their own haulers and add requirements, but county-licensed haulers must still meet the countywide biweekly floor under § 50.03.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Recycling RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview

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Collection Schedule in Cities Across Lake County

Waukegan, IL