Chicago, IL trash pickup schedule
Chicago trash and recycling: who collects, how often, how to find your pickup day, and what changes on holidays in 2026.
Population 2,731,585 (Census 2025 estimate)Last checked Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.
Contents10 sections
Quick answer
| Who collects | The city and contracted haulers (by area or service): LRS (Blue Cart recycling in recycling zones 1, 3, 5, 6) Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) collects garbage from about 600,000 single-family homes and buildings of four units or fewer; larger buildings must arrange private collection. Blue Cart recycling: zones 2 and 4 by DSS, zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 by LRS under the City program.37 |
|---|---|
| How often | Trash weekly, recycling every other week (alternating A/B weeks by area; DSS zones 2 and 4 and LRS zones 1, 3, 5, 6), yard waste on request via 3112351417 |
| Set out | Not published by the city (official page) |
| Your pickup day | App: chicago.gov. App: Recycle Coach723 |
| Holiday | Veterans Day, Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Changes; see details. No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
Bulk items: On-call pickup: call or book online (details). Drop-off sites: 3 listed (hours and fees).
Chicago holiday trash schedule 2026
| City’s rule | No trash service citywide on 11 listed holidays; on those days no recycling in service areas 2 and 4, and areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 lose recycling only on New Year's, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. During holiday weeks the exact service day may vary; keep carts accessible all week.1 |
|---|---|
| Official notice | chicago.gov1 |
| Rule extra |
| Holiday | Date | Pickup | What the city says |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Jan 3 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Mon, Jan 19, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
| Presidents' Day | Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | Not on the city’s list | Not on the city’s list for this year |
| Casimir Pulaski Day | Mon, Mar 2, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat May 30 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).1 |
| Juneteenth | Fri, Jun 19, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
| Independence Day (Fourth of July) | Fri, Jul 3, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says DSS zones 2 and 4 work a 4-day week and LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Sep 12 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).1 |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day | Mon, Oct 12, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
| Veterans Day | Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4 (recycling areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 not affected). The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the 2026 Blue Cart calendar says LRS zones 1, 3, 5 and 6 work a normal Monday-Friday week.1 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Nov 28 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).1 |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25, 2026 | Changes; see details | No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Dec 26 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).1 |
Check your own day for the next three holidays with the holiday delay checker, or download a pickup calendar.
Bulk trash pickup in Chicago
| How it works | On-call pickup: call or book online1215 |
|---|---|
| How to request | Arrange a bulk pick-up with your ward's Streets and Sanitation superintendent (or a 'Bulk Pickup' request via 311 / CHI311) before putting out any large item or extra load of trash; remove doors or lids from discarded refrigerators and freezers.15 |
| Limits | Not published by the city (official page) |
| Fees | Not published by the city (official page) |
| Not accepted |
|
Recycling in Chicago
| Pickup | every other week (alternating A/B weeks by area; DSS zones 2 and 4 and LRS zones 1, 3, 5, 6)14 |
|---|---|
| Type | single-stream7 |
| Glass | accepted in cart7 |
| Plastics | Plastic bottles and containers #1-5 and #7; no #6 (polystyrene/Styrofoam), unnumbered plastics or hard reusable bottles21 |
| Set out | Blue cart in the alley/at the curb the night before; trucks may arrive from 7 am714 |
Accepted
- Paper, plastics, glass and cardboard (Blue Cart)7
- Glass jars and bottles21
- Aluminum cans, foil and pie tins21
- Tin or Steel cans21
- Cereal boxes, paper towel rolls21
- Cardboard (flatten all boxes)21
- Junk mail, magazines and catalogs21
- Paper bags21
- Office paper and file folders21
- Newspaper and inserts21
- Beverage cartons (milk, juice, soy cartons)21
- Wrapping paper (no bows or ribbons, please)21
- Paper greeting cards21
Not accepted
- Plastic bags and film7
- Aerosol cans, lithium-ion batteries, tanglers such as hoses8
- Clothes and linens21
- Plastic or metal hangers21
- #6 Plastics (polystyrene or Styrofoam)21
- Diapers or feminine products21
- Construction debris (bricks, wood, cement, etc.)21
- Paint or spray paint21
- Unnumbered plastics (toothbrushes, toys, hoses, cereal box liners, etc.)21
- Hard, reusable plastic bottles (like Nalgene or baby bottles)21
Programs
- Residential recycling drop-off centers (open 7 days, daylight hours), e.g. 6441 N. Ravenswood and 1758 S. Clark Street7
Yard waste, food scraps and seasonal pickups
| Yard waste pickup | Yes5 |
|---|---|
| Season | Not published by the city (official page) |
| How often | on request via 3115 |
| Rules | Bag yard waste separately from the black (garbage) and blue (recycling) carts and leave in the alley or at the curb; leaves, grass, branches, brush, shrub clippings, garden waste; no dirt, rocks or gravel. Branch piles up to about two carts' size go to yard-waste crews; larger piles are 'Tree Debris' requests.5 |
| Food scraps | No curbside food-scrap collection; free citywide Food Scrap Drop-Off Program at 40 locations, open daily 7 am-7 pm, sign-up required, no bags of any kind22 |
| Rules extra | |
| Christmas trees | 2025-26 season (latest published): January 3-17, 2026, drop off natural trees at 27 Chicago Park District/DSS locations, 6 am-11 pm, in the tree corral; remove tinsel, lights, ornaments, stands and bags; free mulch at six sites. 2026-27 dates not yet published as of 2026-10-30.9 |
| Leaf collection | Bagged leaves collected by dedicated yard-waste trucks on 311 request5 |
Drop-off sites: landfill, recycling and hazardous waste
Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF)
| Type | Household hazardous waste |
|---|---|
| Run by | The city |
| Address | 1150 N. North Branch Street, Chicago, IL 60642 · Map11 |
| Hours | Tuesday 7 am-12 pm; Thursday 2-7 pm; first Saturday of every month 8 am-3 pm11 |
| Fees | Not published by the city (official page) |
| Who can use it | All Chicagoans, household (residential) waste only; businesses and large groups must use a private disposal company11 |
| Accepts | household chemicals, batteries (not alkaline), oil-based and aerosol paints, solvents, CFLs, antifreeze, motor oil/gasoline, pesticides, propane tanks, mercury, small fire extinguishers, computers and listed electronics; NOT latex paint, alkaline batteries, appliances, tires, pharmaceuticals, sharps11 |
Residential Recycling Drop-off Centers
| Type | Recycling center |
|---|---|
| Run by | The city |
| Address | Far North Side: 6441 N. Ravenswood; Near South: 1758 S. Clark Street · Map7 |
| Hours | 7 days a week during daylight hours7 |
| Fees | Not published by the city (official page) |
Food Scrap Drop-Off sites (40 locations)
| Type | Compost / yard waste site |
|---|---|
| Run by | The city |
| Address | 40 locations citywide (interactive map on the program page) · Map22 |
| Hours | daily 7 am-7 pm22 |
| Fees | free22 |
| Who can use it | all Chicago residents; sign up for one site via the Food Scrap Drop-Off Form22 |
Item guides: Mattress · Couch and furniture · Appliances · Paint · Batteries · Electronics · Tires · Motor oil · Christmas tree.
Missed pickup and contacts
| Missed pickup form | 311.chicago.gov (Missed Garbage Pick-Up Complaint)1318 |
|---|---|
| Phone | Streets and Sanitation 312.744.46116 |
| 311 | 311 (312.744.5000 from outside Chicago); CHI311 portal 311.chicago.gov412 |
| Official website | chicago.gov6 |
| Missed recycling form | CHI311 'Recycling Pick Up' service request (confirm your collection day first)20 |
Nearby cities
- Naperville, IL25 miles · A private hauler under city contract
- Aurora, IL32 miles · A private hauler under city contract
- Joliet, IL33 miles · A private hauler under city contract
- Elgin, IL36 miles · A private hauler under city contract
- South Bend, IN74 miles · The city collects
- Rockford, IL77 miles · A private hauler under city contract
Other cities served by Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS)
- Indianapolis, INLakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) in Solid Waste Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10; Indianapolis DPW in Districts 5, 7, 8, 11
- Elgin, ILLakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS)
All Illinois cities: Illinois trash pickup schedules.
Chicago trash pickup FAQ
What day is trash picked up in Chicago?
Trash is collected weekly. Chicago does not use one citywide day: your day depends on your address. Look it up with the city’s app (chicago.gov) or the Recycle Coach app.
Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving Day 2026 in Chicago?
Thanksgiving Day falls on Thu, Nov 26, 2026. Changes; see details: No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Nov 28 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).
Is trash picked up on Christmas Day 2026 in Chicago?
Christmas Day falls on Fri, Dec 25, 2026. Changes; see details: No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Dec 26 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).
Is trash picked up on New Year's Day 2026 in Chicago?
New Year's Day falls on Thu, Jan 1, 2026. Changes; see details: No trash service citywide and no recycling in service areas 2 and 4; no recycling in areas 1, 3, 5 and 6 either. The page does not say whether missed days are made up later in the week. Recycling: the city's 2026 Blue Cart calendar marks this day 'All zones will not be serviced' and shades Sat Jan 3 as part of that pick-up week (the calendar does not say in words what happens to the missed day; garbage make-up is not stated anywhere).
How do I get rid of bulky items in Chicago?
On-call pickup: call or book online. Arrange a bulk pick-up with your ward's Streets and Sanitation superintendent (or a 'Bulk Pickup' request via 311 / CHI311) before putting out any large item or extra load of trash; remove doors or lids from discarded refrigerators and freezers.
Does Chicago recycle glass?
Glass: accepted in cart.
How do I report a missed trash pickup in Chicago?
Use the city’s online form (311.chicago.gov) or call Streets and Sanitation 312.744.4611.
Sources
- 1 Holiday Garbage Schedule (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 2 Residential Garbage Collection (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 3 Grid Garbage Collection (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 4 Refuse Containers or Garbage Carts (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 5 Yard Waste Collection (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 6 Sanitation (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 7 Residential Recycling (Chicago Recycles)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 8 What Goes Where (Chicago Recycles)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 9 Holiday Tree Recycling (Chicago Recycles)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 10 E-Waste (Chicago Recycles)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 11 Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (Dept. of Environment)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 12 CHI311 portal search results for "bulk"City · 311.chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 13 Chicago Open311 service list (Streets and Sanitation)City · 311api.cityofchicago.org · checked October 30, 2026
- 14 Blue Cart Recycling 2026 Pick-Up Schedule (map/calendar image on Residential Recycling page)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 15 Sanitation Code Violation (Streets and Sanitation)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 16 Garbage Fee (Department of Finance)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 17 Residential Garbage (Streets and Sanitation supporting info)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 18 CHI311 article: Missed garbage pickupCity · 311.chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 19 CHI311 article: Yard waste pickupCity · 311.chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 20 CHI311 article: Recycling Pick UpCity · 311.chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 21 CHI311 article: Blue cart and recycling drop off centers accepted materials (dated Dec 12, 2018)City · 311.chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 22 Food Scrap Drop-Off (Chicago Recycles)City · chicago.gov · checked October 30, 2026
- 23 LRS Blue Cart Zone layer (via city-linked Chicago Recycling StoryMap) - checked for zone data, no day attributeContracted hauler · services.arcgis.com · checked October 30, 2026
Something changed? Report a change
Second-pass verification against every source: October 30, 2026. Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.