Chicago Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 2 items per collection. Arrange with ward superintendent or submit request via CHI311 for bulk pick-up before placing large items in alley or curb.
Chicago bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Arrange with ward superintendent or submit request via CHI311 for bulk pick-up before placing large items in alley or curb. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 2 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 312-744-4611 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedSofas, tables, chairs, dressers, mattresses, and box springs accepted with prior 311 service request.
Appliances
Accepted with conditionsLarge appliances accepted; doors and latches must be removed from discarded refrigerators and freezers prior to setout.
Construction debris
Not acceptedRemodeling and building materials must be hauled by private scavenger; dumpsters can be rented for this purpose.
How to throw away a mattress in Chicago
Follow the listed bulk rule: Arrange with ward superintendent or submit request via CHI311 for bulk pick-up before placing large items in alley or curb.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
Chicago Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules
Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Chicago.
Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership
Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.
Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign
If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.
Chicago Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations
When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Cook County.
📍 1150 N. North Branch St, Chicago, IL 60642
City drop-off center for household hazardous waste, electronics, and computers. Open Tuesdays 7am–12pm, Thursdays 2pm–7pm, and 1st Saturday of month 8am–3pm.
📍 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Free residential recycling drop-off container open 7 days a week during daylight hours for paper, cardboard, plastics, and glass.
📍 6441 S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
South Side residential recycling drop-off container open 7 days a week during daylight hours.
All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.
Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.
Local disposal alternatives in Cook County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF)
1150 N. North Branch St, Chicago, IL 60642
City drop-off center for household hazardous waste, electronics, and computers. Open Tuesdays 7am–12pm, Thursdays 2pm–7pm, and 1st Saturday of month 8am–3pm.
Residential Recycling Drop-off - Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Free residential recycling drop-off container open 7 days a week during daylight hours for paper, cardboard, plastics, and glass.
Residential Recycling Drop-off - South Area
6441 S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
South Side residential recycling drop-off container open 7 days a week during daylight hours.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) · municipal dpw
Phone: 312-744-4611
121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 1107Chicago, IL 60602
These collection rules cover Zone Residential Grid Routes (Monday through Friday by Address).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Chicago, IL?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out by 7:00 a.m.. These rules apply to Zone Residential Grid Routes (Monday through Friday by Address).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Chicago?
As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Residential Grid Routes (Monday through Friday by Address).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Chicago?
Arrange with ward superintendent or submit request via CHI311 for bulk pick-up before placing large items in alley or curb. The listed limit is 2 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 312-744-4611 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Residential Grid Routes (Monday through Friday by Address).
What items are accepted for recycling in Chicago?
The listed accepted materials are Paper: newspaper, magazines, office paper, catalogs, and junk mail, Cardboard: clean flattened shipping boxes, cereal boxes, and food boxes, Plastics: clean bottles, jugs, tubs, and jars (empty and rinsed, caps on), Glass: beverage bottles and food jars (clear, green, and brown), Metal: aluminum beverage cans, steel/tin food cans, and clean foil. Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags and plastic film (never bag recyclables; place loose in blue cart), Styrofoam food containers, cups, and packing peanuts, Food scraps, liquids, and dirty paper containers, Tanglers: garden hoses, holiday lights, electrical cords, and chains, Clothing, textiles, footwear, and bedding, Batteries, electronics, and mercury items. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Residential Grid Routes (Monday through Friday by Address).