What We Do

Sanitation and Waste Reduction (Garbage, Street Sweeping, Recycling, and Zero Waste)

The Bureau of Sanitation implements waste management programs for business and residents. Specific activities include:

• Collecting residential garbage;
• Operating the City’s Blue Cart Recycling Program;
• Providing technical assistance and support for the City’s recycling initiatives;
• Providing assistance for the development of city-wide waste reduction and management programs and policies; and
• Coordinating street sweeping efforts for city main streets and side streets.

 

Garbage	Recycling	Street Sweeping
Composting	Chemicals & Electronics	Zero Waste

Most Recent News (Sanitation and Waste Reduction (Garbage, Street Sweeping, Recycling, and Zero Waste))

Jan 5, 2012	Refuse Workforce Transparency
Dec 23, 2011	2012 Recycling Pick-Up Schedule + Maps Now Available
Dec 7, 2011	Holiday String Light Recycling 2011-12
Dec 6, 2011	State of Illinois Ban on E-Waste Disposal Coming Jan 1st
Dec 5, 2011	Holiday Tree Recycling 2011-12

View all News Releases (Sanitation and Waste Reduction (Garbage, Street Sweeping, Recycling, and Zero Waste))

Services

• Anti-Litter - Every Litter Bit Hurts
• Check Status of Garbage Cart Service Request
• Check Status of Sanitation Code Violation
• Division and Ward Sanitation Offices
• Find a Residential Recycling Drop Off Center

View all Services

Supporting Information

• 2009 Chicago Waste Characterization Study and Waste Diversion Study Results
• 2011 Neighborhood Paper Drive Frequently Asked Questions
• Chicago Recycles: The Complete Video
• Chicago Recycling Guide: A to Z
• Chicago's Blue Cart Residential Recycling Program
• Composting Ordinance
• Composting in Chicago
• Division and Ward Office Information
• Home composting
• Muti-unit Residential Recycling 5 Step Process

View all Supporting Information

City Data

• 311 Service Requests - Sanitation Code Complaints