Recycling

The City of Chicago offers several recycling options. Recyclable materials, such as glass, plastic and paper, can be taken to any one of the city’s many drop off centers. The city is also in the process of transitioning to the Blue Cart recycling program.

To participate, just set aside used glass, metal and plastic containers, and rinse out any remaining food, drink or other products. Flatten all metal or plastic containers in order to save space in your trashcan. Remove the container’s cap or lid, but leave the label on. Also, set aside paper and cardboard materials that haven't been spoiled by food or liquids.

The city will be providing homes and apartment buildings with specially designated blue carts. When you are ready to recycle, toss the materials into the cart. A city truck will collect the waste every other week. If you feel that you need more blue carts after participating in the program, just call 311.

Don't worry if your garbage is not collected by the City, or if your space is in a commercial or industrial property. The Workplace and Residential Recycling Ordinance (effective January 1995) requires all landlords to offer a recycling program. If you live in a residential building, the landlord must make recycling services available to the tenants.

In commercial and industrial properties, the property manager and/or building owner is responsible for ensuring a recycling program is in place. If your building uses a private waste collector (identified by a metal dumpster), the management must offer an effective recycling program: a program with a designated area on the property where you can separate and leave recyclable goods, an education program, and a written recycling plan.

Click here for more information about private sector recycling, or call the Department of Streets and Sanitation at 312-744-4611.

If you are interested in incorporating methods of recycling and material reuse in your artwork, Chapter 24: Green Practice provides additional guidelines for waste disposal.