Blue Cart FAQs

I don’t currently have a blue cart. Does this mean that I will be getting one?

Because of the efficiencies gained through competitive bidding, the Blue Cart Residential Recycling program will be expanded to an additional 20,000 households in Spring 2012. Additional expansions will be announced as efficiencies are realized. Please continue to check ChicagoRecycles.org for future updates. In the meantime, Chicago residents may take their recyclables to one of the residential recycling drop-off centers located throughout the city.

Who will be collecting my recyclables?

Depending on your location, recyclables will be collected by the Department of Streets and Sanitation, Waste Management or Sims Metal Management Municipal Recycling. Please check the Schedule and Maps to confirm your zone, hauler and schedule.

I live in a zone that is serviced by Waste Management, Inc. or Sims Metal Management Midwest for collection of my blue cart. Do I now need to pay a fee to participate?

The Blue Cart Residential Recycling program is provided at no charge to single-family homes, 2-flat buildings or 3 or 4-flat buildings that have refuse collection from the Department of Streets and Sanitation.

If I have curbside service (versus alley), will the day of collection for my blue cart change?

Unless otherwise notified, if you have curbside garbage service, your blue cart will be emptied the same day as your garbage. Please put your blue cart at your curb on your specific collection day.

Are there any changes to the materials that can be placed in my blue cart?

No, there is no change to the list of acceptable materials for the Blue Cart Residential Recycling program.

I live in a multi-unit building with five or more units. Does this mean my building will be getting blue carts?

The Blue Cart Residential Recycling program is for single-family homes, 2-flat buildings or 3 or 4-flat buildings. Residents of buildings with five or more units will continue to contract privately for their waste and recycling services.

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Who will be collecting my recyclables?

Depending on your location, recyclables will be collected by the Department of Streets and Sanitation, Waste Management or Sims Metal Management Municipal Recycling. Please check the Schedules and Maps to confirm your zone, hauler and schedule.