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

Section 86-2 of the Skokie Village Code defines recyclable materials as materials collected in accordance with the Village recycling program, and separately defines recycling containers as the containers the Village provides to residents for placing those recyclables out for collection by the Village or its contractor. The operative storage rule sits in Section 86-8: all nonputrescible waste materials, which the chapter's structure includes recyclable materials, must be stored in a bag or wrapped, tied, or bundled so the material cannot blow away or scatter during the storage period before pickup.

Section 86-9 addresses what happens when the two waste streams get mixed: whenever putrescible materials are combined with nonputrescible materials, including recyclables, the whole combined load is governed by the putrescible-materials provisions in Section 86-7, which require draining, wrapping or bagging so no moisture spills when the material is removed from its container. Section 86-11 bars putting explosives, flammable liquids, or unpackaged medical sharps into any container, including recycling containers, and requires paint to be dried or solidified with an absorbent before disposal. Section 86-12 requires every building or premises generating waste materials, including construction and remodeling sites, to maintain a designated collection site meeting Village convenience, health, and safety standards, and Section 86-13 makes the owner of a multiple-occupancy building responsible for naming one individual accountable for all pre-collection practices at that property.