Oak Park, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Oak Park's single-stream recycling program collects all recyclable materials in one blue cart without sorting. Accepted materials include: paper (newspapers, magazines, office paper, mail), cardboard (flattened), glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1 through #5 and #7. Items must be clean, dry, and empty — rinse food containers before recycling. Cardboard boxes must be broken down flat. Materials NOT accepted include: plastic bags and film, styrofoam, food waste, yard waste, electronics, textiles, ceramics, and hazardous materials. Plastic bags should be returned to retail store drop-off bins. Shredded paper should be contained in a clear bag on top of the recycling cart. The village participates in Cook County recycling education initiatives. Contaminated loads — those containing significant non-recyclable material — may be rejected and collected as trash. Multi-family buildings with 5+ units may have different recycling arrangements through their building management. Contact Public Works at (708) 358-5700 for recycling questions.