Trash Pickup Schedule Day • Illinois

Chicago, IL Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule (2026) — The Complete Guide

Complete guide for Chicago, IL: weekly grid trash pickup, Blue Cart recycling (schedule varies by zone/provider),
yard waste (seasonal), bulky items via 311, holiday changes, HHW & e-waste at HCCRF, and how to report a missed pickup.

Chicago in 10 seconds: Trash is collected weekly on the City’s grid routes (Mon–Fri).
Blue Cart recycling schedules can vary by zone/provider—use the address lookup and the official Blue Cart map/schedule PDF.
For chemicals, batteries, and e-waste, use HCCRF.

📍 Address lookup (official/partner)

Check your trash day and Blue Cart recycling schedule by address. If recycling varies in your area, confirm your zone/provider using the official Blue Cart map/schedule.

  1. Open the schedule tool below.
  2. Enter your Chicago address.
  3. Review trash day + recycling info and follow CHI311 alerts during holiday/snow weeks.
Blue Cart tip: If your recycling week/day is unclear, open the official Blue Cart map/schedule PDF and confirm your zone:
2025 Blue Cart Map & Schedule (PDF).

🗓️ Weekly pickup & set-out rules

Chicago trash collection runs on the City’s grid routes. Place carts out the night before or early morning, keep lids closed, and leave clearance.

Frequencies

  • Trash: weekly (Mon–Fri grid routes)
  • Recycling: varies by zone/provider—verify by address
  • Yard waste: seasonal program (see below)

Set-out basics

  • Set out the night before or early morning on your collection day
  • Keep ~3–5 ft clearance from cars/obstacles when possible
  • Lids must close (overflow/extra items may be tagged or skipped)

Apartments / multi-family

City service typically covers single-family through 4-unit buildings. Larger buildings and commercial properties often use private haulers—check with your management.

♻️ Blue Cart recycling — accepted & not accepted

Keep recyclables empty, dry & loose (no plastic bags). For a simple explainer too, see:
Trash vs. Recycling (US).

Accepted (typical Blue Cart)

  • Paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Metal cans (aluminum/steel)
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs)

Not accepted

  • Plastic bags/film, foam packaging
  • Batteries, cords, electronics
  • Food waste / liquids
  • Household hazardous waste (take to HCCRF)

🛋️ Bulky items

For oversized items (furniture, large appliances, mattresses), request help through CHI311 or your ward office guidance.
Follow safety rules (for example, remove doors from refrigerators/freezers before set-out).

  • Start with CHI311 (web/app/call) to request bulky help or instructions.
  • Remove doors from refrigerators/freezers for safety.
  • Electronics/TVs are typically not handled as bulky—use HHW/e-waste options (HCCRF).

🍃 Yard waste / organics options

Yard waste collection is seasonal. Chicago also operates food-scrap drop-off sites in many areas.

Yard waste (seasonal)

  • Typical season: Apr 1 – Nov 30
  • Use paper yard bags and follow set-out rules
  • Request pickup via 311 when required

Food scrap drop-off

  • Drop-off program with multiple locations
  • Bring acceptable scraps in sealed containers

⚠️ Household hazardous waste (HHW) & e-waste — HCCRF

Take paints, chemicals, oils, batteries, and electronics to Chicago’s HHW facility:
Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF).

  • HCCRF: 1150 N North Branch St, Chicago, IL
  • Hours can change—confirm on the official page before you go.

🎉 Holiday schedule

City holidays can change trash service, and Blue Cart schedules may differ by zone/provider.
Always confirm the holiday schedule and CHI311 alerts during holiday or severe weather weeks.

🚚 Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash or recycling wasn’t collected:

  1. Confirm carts were set out on time, lids closed, and not blocked.
  2. Check holiday/snow alerts and your zone/provider schedule if it’s a recycling week.
  3. If still missed, file a request via CHI311 (web/app) or call 311.

FAQ — Chicago trash & recycling

What day is trash pickup in Chicago, IL?

Trash is collected weekly (Mon–Fri) on Chicago’s grid routes for many residential properties. Use the address lookup tool to confirm your exact day.

Is Blue Cart recycling collected weekly in Chicago?

It depends on your zone/provider. Use the schedule lookup by address and cross-check the official Blue Cart map/schedule PDF to confirm your week/day.

What’s accepted in Chicago’s Blue Cart?

Typical accepted items include paper/cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and rigid plastic bottles/jugs/tubs.
Keep items empty, dry, and loose (no plastic bags).

Where do I take batteries, paint, or electronics in Chicago?

Use the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF). Check the official page for current hours and accepted materials.

Do holidays delay trash pickup in Chicago?

Certain holidays can shift service, and recycling schedules may differ by zone/provider. Check the City holiday garbage schedule and CHI311 alerts.


☎️ Official links & contacts (Chicago)