Cook County, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- SWRO
- Reporting
- Required for facilities
- Accepted
- Paper, glass, metal, plastics
- Portal
- Electronic permit system
Summary
The Cook County Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance establishes a framework to increase recycling rates. The county requires data reporting from waste facilities and promotes recycling through education and facility oversight.
RECYCLING GUIDELINES. METAL: Steel & Aluminum Containers and Foil - Clean & Empty, Replace lids & caps. PAPER: Cardboard (flattened), Office Paper, Newspaper, Magazines. PLASTIC: Containers: Bottles, Tubs, Jugs, and Jars Only. CARTONS: May be acceptable in some programs, check with local authority. GLASS: Containers: Bottles & Jars Only. No Plastic Bags, No Product Wrap (return clean to retailer), No Big Items (Electronics, Wood, Propane Tanks, Scrap Metal or Styrofoam), Put material in loose - Not in Bags. No Tanglers (Hangers, Hoses, Wire, Cords, Ropes or Chains), No Clothing/Textiles or Shoes (donate), No Food, Liquid, Diapers, Batteries or Needles, No Shredded Paper. These Guidelines represent the common items accepted in most recycling programs in Illinois.
Full Breakdown
The Cook County Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance (SWRO) provides a framework to increase recycling countywide. The ordinance requires more frequent inspections of landfills and waste transfer stations, as well as monitoring of recycling facilities including junkyards, scrap collectors, compost facilities, and large industrial recycling facilities. All waste and recycling facilities must submit reports, permits, and fees through the county's electronic permit processing portal. The ordinance collects comprehensive data on waste volume, recycling rates, and waste stream composition to develop policies addressing recycling barriers. Cook County publishes recycling guidelines for residents covering accepted materials including paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and certain plastics. The county promotes waste diversion through education and partnership programs.
Violations & Fines
Waste facility non-compliance: permit revocation. Fly-dumping: prosecution. Recycling material theft: criminal enforcement under SWRO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I recycle in Cook County?
Is recycling mandatory in unincorporated Cook County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.