McHenry County, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- McHenry County Code § 8.44.030
- Enforcing agency
- McHenry County Department of Health
- Occupant fine
- $25 to $100 per violation
- Hauler fine
- $50 to $500 per violation
- Warnings before citation
- Two written warnings maximum
- Alternative
- Drop-off recycling center allowed
Summary
Unincorporated McHenry County requires every occupant to separate mandated recyclable materials, aluminum and steel cans, newsprint, corrugated cardboard, PET and HDPE plastics, mixed fiber and glass containers, from the rest of the trash under Code § 8.44.030. A licensed hauler collects them, or the occupant hauls them to a recycling drop-off point instead.
A. It shall be the duty of every occupant having mandated recyclable materials which accumulate on the premises to separate these items from all other discarded materials and to store the mandated recyclable materials separately in recycling containers. B. Collection of mandated recyclable materials from residential dwelling units shall be by a licensed hauler selected by the occupant(s) of such dwelling(s)... C. As an alternative to § 8.44.030B., occupants may take recyclable materials to an established recycling center or recycling drop-off point. D. ...it shall be unlawful for any licensed hauler to collect discarded materials from any residential dwelling unit which contains visible signs of mandated recyclable materials.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).
Full Breakdown
44, the Residential Recycling Program, makes separation a duty of the occupant, not a suggestion. 030A requires every occupant with mandated recyclable materials, the county's defined list running from aluminum and steel cans through corrugated cardboard, mixed fiber paper and glass, to store them separately in recycling containers rather than the trash. 030C). 090F, it makes it unlawful for a licensed hauler to pick up a residential load that shows visible signs of mandated recyclables still mixed in. 100. 050, not duplicated here.
Violations & Fines
The Department of Health issues a warning notice to a noncompliant occupant first; no more than two written warnings go to the same occupant before the Department, its representative, or a licensed peace officer can issue a Notice to Appear (§ 8.44.060). A convicted occupant faces a fine of $25 to $100 per observed violation; a licensed hauler that violates faces $50 to $500 per violation, with each observed violation a separate offense (§ 8.44.070).
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials must I separate for recycling in unincorporated McHenry County?
Can my hauler refuse to take my trash if I did not separate recyclables?
Do I have to use curbside pickup for recycling?
What happens the first time I am caught not separating recyclables?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview
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