Chicago

Recycling Guidelines

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

PLASTIC

Look for plastic items labeled #1-#5 and #7.

  • Bath bottles- shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, etc.
  • Bottles & jugs- beverage, food, etc.
  • Buckets- cleaning, toy, etc.
  • Containers- fruit, baked good, etc.
  • Cups
  • House bottles & jugs- cleaning supplies, detergent, etc.
  • Tubs- yogurt, margarine, etc.
  • Lids and caps can stay on plastic bottles
Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers
Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Aluminum cans
  • Aluminum foil and trays
  • Metal pots, pans, and lids
  • Steel and tin cans

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Beverage boxes & cartons- milk, juice, etc.
  • Books- telephone and paperback
  • Cardboard & chipboard- flattened moving boxes, food boxes, tissue boxes, shoe boxes, paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons
  • Carrying beverage cases
  • Mixed paper- computer paper, office paper, unwanted mail, envelopes, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, stickynotes
  • Paper bags
  • Wrapping paper

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, depending on the quality

Cardboard tubes from wrapping or toilet paper rolls

GLASS

Look for glass food jars and drink bottles

  • Bottles- beverage, food, etc.
  • Jars- beverage, food, etc.
Bottles and jars (remove lids or caps)
Clean and dry your glass bottles

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

Doorstep Recycling Collection
Place acceptable recyclables in a securely tied, see-thru bag, separate from your trash and place in your bin, outside your front door with your scheduled trash collection.

When in Doubt – Toss it Out
Please do not place any unacceptable items in communal recycling containers or in your household recycling bags. Remember, if recycling contains “contaminants” (non-recyclable items or containers not properly cleaned), the whole batch may be rejected and sent to a land fill. When in doubt – best to toss it out!

What can NOT be recycled

  • Motor oil containers
  • Clothing and linens
  • Plastic or metal hangers
  • Paint or spray paint
  • Insecticide containers
  • Herbicide containers
  • Hazardous chemical containers
  • Plastic film
  • Plastic bags
  • Plastic sheets
  • Plastic tarps
  • Expended foam
  • Reusable bottles, such as nalgene or baby bottles
  • Clear polystyrene or styrofoam (#6 plastic)
  • Any container or paper fiber other than those listed above
  • Landscape waste
  • Plastic products without a chasing arrow symbol
  • Ceramics
  • Windows
  • Mirrors

Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.

  • This ordinance requires communities to provide source-separated, single-stream recycling
  • Communities will also be responsible for implementing an ongoing educational program that includes posting signage, providing adequate carts, and sending written notice to residents about any changes
  • This new ordinance affects communities that have more than four units
  • Stiffer fines will be implemented, as stated in the new ordinance
    • Fines for noncompliance range from $500 up to $5,000
    • Each day that a building remains in violation is considered “a separate, distinct offense to which a separate fine shall apply”
  • The recycling containers provided need to clearly identify recycling containers, display a written and/or pictorial list of the recyclable material that may be deposited into such container, must be emptied on a regular basis, must be maintained free from odor
  • Community flyers must contain the following information at a minimum
    • Materials that are recyclable
    • Materials that are prohibited
    • Instructions on how to properly prepare materials for recycling
    • The location of recycling containers provided
    • The name of the valet service
    • The name and telephone number of a contact person authorized by the refuse, so residents always have a point of contact
    • Any other information that the Commissioner may require

Multifamily Recycle Collection Tips 

  • Source-separated recycling requires all persons citywide to place recyclable material in designated recycling containers and keep recyclable material separate from waste until such time that the recyclable material is collected for delivery to a properly permitted facility
  • Residents may call 311 to report non-compliance (i.e. lack of recycling receptacles or educational materials)
  • Lease agreements and lease renewals must include recycling education materials

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

Streets and Sanitation (DSS) 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 1107 Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: 312.744.4611 Fax: 312.744.4737 TTY: 311

This information is not your official community or municipality guidelines. Recycling mandates may change based on the local processing capabilities and shifting markets. Contact your leasing office or local recycling agency to learn more or use the links under the “Recycling Resources"