Peoria, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Sec. 13-11 makes it unlawful for any person to collect, obtain, possess, or pick up any recyclable item placed for collection on a public place, public way, or private property for purposes of a recycling program, unless that person is authorized by the director of public works as a recycling contractor under an approved program. The section defines "recyclable item" narrowly as paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastic containers, so the ban tracks the same materials that Peoria's approved curbside programs are set up to collect.

This anti-scavenging rule works together with Sec. 13-12, which authorizes the director of public works to approve recycling contractors that hold a valid scavenger's license, describe their service and equipment, and file annual reports; only a contractor approved that way may lawfully pick up set-out recyclables. Sec. 13-2 puts enforcement of Chapter 13, including Sec. 13-11, in the hands of the department of community development, the police department, and the fire department jointly. Both Sec. 13-11 and Sec. 13-12 date to Ord. No. 14473, adopted March 24, 1998, and sit in Article I of Chapter 13, Garbage, Litter, Vegetation and Inoperable Motor Vehicles.