Streets & Sanitation: Sanitation
The Bureau of Sanitation implements waste management programs for business and residents. Specific activities include:
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Collecting residential garbage;
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Operating the City’s Blue Cart Recycling Program;
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Providing technical assistance and support for the City’s recycling initiatives;
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Providing assistance for the development of city-wide waste reduction and management programs and policies; and
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Coordinating street sweeping efforts for city main streets and side street
2019 Dates of Non-Scheduled Garbage Collection
Non-Scheduled Dates for Garbage Collection.
Check Status of Sanitation Code Violation Service Request
Check status of your Sanitation Code Violation Service Request.
Division and Sanitation Offices
The Bureau of Sanitation has District and Ward Sanitation Offices
throughout the city responsible for coordinating local garbage
pick-up, sanitation code enforcement, snow removal operations
and other services. District and ward superintendents monitor
their sections of the city for any non-sanitation bureau services
that might be needed, reporting these to the appropriate bureau
or outside agency for attention.
Garage, Yard & Apartment Sale Permit, Sanitation
Chicagoans planning to hold garage, yard and apartment sales
can obtain their required permits at any of the city's 50 Aldermanic
ward offices. Locations of these ward offices can also be obtained
by calling the city's 311 non-emergency number.
The City of Chicago has implemented the grid garbage collection system citywide.
Information regarding the Grid Garbage Collection System
Littering is a serious problem in Chicago. The City spends millions of dollars each year to clean-up litter.
Refuse Containers or Garbage Carts
All residential garbage is placed in plastic, lidded 96-gallon garbage carts often referred to as super carts supplied free to Chicagoans.
Residential Garbage Collection
The City of Chicago has implemented the grid garbage collection system citywide. Streets & Sanitation collects Chicago's residential waste. Our crews service some 600,000 homes weekly.
Chicago's sanitation code is a series of municipal ordinances that require cleanliness and the safe disposal of all trash and debris.
As part of the 2012 Budget, the City of Chicago transitioned to a grid-based garbage collection system that has increased efficiency and will save over $20 million in operation costs. Please use the interactive map below to determine your garbage pickup day.
Please note: garbage collection days vary following snowfall. Streets & Sanitation will not empty garbage carts if they are not accessible due to obstructions (including snow).
If your garbage carts are stuck to the pavement with ice, please make your best effort to free the carts. If Sanitation workers are unable to lift the carts, they will not remove the garbage. Residences that receive garbage collection services provided by the Department of Streets and Sanitation will begin paying a garbage service fee of $9.50 per month per dwelling unit.