Rock Island County, IL Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 52.04, County Code
- Container standard
- Closed or covered, Health Authority approved
- Enforcing agency
- County Dept. of Public Health
- Maximum fine
- $500 per day
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Anyone hauling refuse within unincorporated Rock Island County must use a closed or covered container or a hauling conveyance specially built and approved by the county Health Authority. The Health Department can grant exceptions for waste that poses no health hazard or littering risk, but unapproved open-bed hauling of household or business trash is not allowed under § 52.04.
No person shall transport or cause to be transported within the county any refuse except within a closed or covered container or specially constructed conveyance approved by the Health Authority. Exceptions to this section may be granted by the Health Authority such as for transportation of certain types of refuse which will not present a health or safety hazard or create littering of properties and roadways.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-1: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-12-A, passed 12-17-2024; and State legislation current through 2024 Illinois Legislative Service, Pamphlet #6).
Full Breakdown
04 requires that anyone transporting refuse anywhere in unincorporated Rock Island County use a closed or covered container, or a specially constructed conveyance that the Health Authority has approved in advance; an open pickup bed or uncovered trailer full of household garbage does not meet that standard. 04 for specific types of refuse that will not create a health or safety hazard or litter properties and roadways along the route. 01 as a written permit issued by the Health Department authorizing the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste; the license requirement backs up the covered-container rule so the Department can track who is moving waste and how.
05's container standards to form a single chain of custody, from generation to storage to hauling to disposal, that this subchapter enforces across the unincorporated county.
Violations & Fines
Transporting refuse in an uncovered vehicle or trailer without Health Authority approval violates § 52.04 and, like other violations of §§ 52.01 through 52.07, is a petty offense fined up to $500 under § 52.99(B), with each day of continued violation charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I haul trash to the dump in an open pickup truck bed?
Who approves hauling vehicles and container exceptions?
What is the penalty for hauling uncovered refuse in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock Island County
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