Des Plaines provides single-stream curbside recycling weekly. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#5), metal cans, and glass bottles and jars. Plastic bags, food waste, electronics, and hazardous materials are prohibited. Illinois bans electronics from landfills under 415 ILCS 150.
Des Plaines residential recycling is collected weekly as a single-stream commingled program through the City's contracted hauler. Accepted materials include paper (newspapers, magazines, mail, cardboard, paperboard), plastic bottles and containers marked #1 through #5 (PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars (rinsed). Materials must be empty and reasonably clean; food residue contaminates loads and may cause rejection. NOT accepted in curbside recycling: plastic bags, plastic film, foam (#6 polystyrene), food waste, yard waste, diapers, clothing, scrap metal, batteries, light bulbs, paint, motor oil, and electronics. Plastic bags can be returned to grocery store collection bins. Electronics must be recycled separately under the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act (415 ILCS 150). Household hazardous waste should be brought to Cook County collection events. The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) coordinates regional waste planning. Reducing contamination protects the recycling program's economic viability and environmental benefit.
Contaminated recycling carts may be tagged and not collected, with the resident responsible for proper disposal. Disposing of electronics, batteries, paint, or hazardous materials in trash or recycling violates Illinois EPA rules and may result in enforcement action.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle recycling requirements.
See how Des Plaines's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.