Cook County, IL Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 38, Art. III (Sec. 38-54)
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Cook County only
- Container placement
- Must sit on paved, well-drained surface
- Pickup frequency
- Weekly, by Illinois-licensed waste hauler
- First-offense fine
- $350 to $1,000
Summary
In unincorporated Cook County, commercial dumpster and waste containers must sit on a paved, well-drained surface, use tight-fitting covers, and get weekly pickup from a licensed hauler or face nuisance citations.
(6)To use a garbage container or waste container that is not constructed from nonabsorbent, durable, metal or hard plastic material and that is not provided with a tight-fitting cover. ... (7)To use a garbage container or a waste container for the outside storage of garbage by a commercial establishment that is not placed on a paved, well-drained surface.
Full Breakdown
Cook County's Public Health and Private Nuisance Ordinance (Ch. 38, Art. III) makes it a nuisance for a commercial establishment in unincorporated Cook County to keep a garbage or waste dumpster that isn't sitting on a paved, well-drained surface. The same section requires every container to be nonabsorbent, durable metal or hard plastic with a tight-fitting cover, bars loose garbage bags outside except on the licensed hauler's pickup day, and requires weekly removal by a State of Illinois-licensed waste hauler, with removal records kept on-site for at least a year. CCDPH enforces the article; first offenses run $350 to $1,000 under Sec. 38-55.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $350-$1,000 fine; second: $500-$2,000; third and beyond: $1,000-$6,000, plus possible injunctive relief via the State's Attorney under Sec. 38-55.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Chicago or other Cook County towns?
What surface does a commercial dumpster need to sit on?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview
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