2017 Clean & Green
This service request is used to request supplies for neighborhood clean-up activities. Tools are loaned to community groups throughout the year. Requests for tools must be received 3-4 business days prior to date of clean up.
Abandoned Vehicle
Tow trucks owned by the City of Chicago performed abandoned vehicle removals until 1989, when the City implemented a privatization program that contracted a private firm to perform this work. The abandoned vehicles are taken to auto pound 3S or 3N where they are -- if not redeemed by the owners -- sold for scrap. Please call 311 to locate your car. Since this privatization program began, more than 500,000 abandoned vehicles have been towed and impounded.
Above Ground Storage Permit
Application forms and information about applying for an above ground storage permit can be found here.
Are you Rain Ready?
Chicago’s Sustainable Backyards Program is an educational and incentive program that highlights the many ways Chicago residents can create more environmentally-friendly landscapes in their yards. Together, as more and more residents install a rain barrel or plant a tree, we will make a positive impact on our quality of life in Chicago!
Dead or Damaged Trees
The Bureau of Forestry coordinates the removal of parkway or trees in the public way that are dead or damaged.
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.
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle from Asia that was discovered feeding on ash (Fraxinus sp.) trees in southeastern Michigan in 2002.
Environmental Complaint
Information about reporting an environmental complaint can be found here.
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.
Garbage Cart
More than 1.5 million, heavy duty plastic 96-gallon garbage carts with tight fitted lids often referred to as super carts are supplied free to single-family residences and apartment buildings of four units or less.
Garbage Collection
The City of Chicago has implemented the grid garbage collection system citywide.
Green and Solar Permit Incentives
The City of Chicago offers incentives for building design, construction and renovation projects that provide healthier environments, reduces operating costs and conserves energy.
Greencorps Chicago
Welcome to the City of Chicago's premier green job training program! Greencorps Chicago has been training Chicago individuals with barriers to employment since 1994. We are excited to continue to build on this legacy and strengthen our program to provide training and career paths for hard-to-employ Chicagoans.
Illegal ('Fly') Dumping
Illegal dumping, or "fly dumping," is the dumping of any waste material on public or
private property without a permit from the Department of Public Health (CPDH).
Landscape Ordinance
Since 1991, the City of Chicago has required developers to include landscaping in their building plans to beautify property and screen the perimeters of parking lots, loading docks and other vehicular use areas.
Liquid Waste Fee
Information and forms to pay liquid waste fees can be found here.
Litter, Trash, Garbage
Littering is a serious problem in Chicago. The City spends millions of dollars each year to clean-up litter.
New Tree Planted on Parkway
Chicago property owners who want a new tree planted on their parkways should call City Hall to register for this free city service.
Rat Stoppage Tickets
City of Chicago rodent control experts will inspect the interior of any private property at the request of its owner and offer an evaluation of the best possible means to eliminate a rat problem.
Rats in Chicago
Mayor Emanuel has continued Chicago's increasingly effective rodent abatement program, including four successful new strategies
Recycling Block Captain
Become part of a volunteer grassroots network and support the Blue Cart Recycling Program.
Recycling Facility Permit
Information about applying for a recycling facility permit, along with the recycling facility permit application, can be found here.
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 Recycling Drop Off Center
Use the City’s Residential Recycling Drop-off Centers to recycle the same full range of materials accepted in the Blue Cart Recycling Program, including paper, plastics, glass and cardboard.
Rock Crushing Permit
Application and information regarding applying for a rock crushing permit can be found here.
Rodent Baiting, Rodent Control
Chicago's Bureau of Rodent Control investigates all rat sightings and rodenticide is placed in rat burrows.
Streeterville Right-of-Way or Property Permit
Based on the U.S. EPA’s recommendation, the City of Chicago is requiring radiation surveillance prior to intruding soils in the Streeterville Area.
The Chicago Conservation Corps
The Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) recruits, trains, and supports a network of volunteers who work together to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and schools through environmental service projects.
To Nominate Tree of the Year
Each year 10 lesser known trees are highlighted to increase usage and promote species diversity.
Tree Planting
The Bureau of Forestry plants trees along the public way throughout the City of Chicago.
Tree Trimming
The Bureau of Forestry is responsible for the management of all shade and ornamental trees growing along city streets and boulevards and which constitute approximately 520,000 trees of the estimated 4.1 million trees growing in the City of Chicago.
Underground Storage Tank Permit
Information about applying for an underground storage tank permit and application forms can be found here.
Weed Cutting/ Weed Removal
High weeds can conceal illegal activities, obscure dangerous debris, harbor rodents, serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and West Nile Virus and contribute to allergies and breathing difficulties. That's why Streets & Sanitation's Bureau of Street Operations is aggressive about keeping overgrown weeds from becoming a problem in our neighborhoods.
Wood Chips - Forestry
The wood from trees and branches removed by the Bureau of Forestry is ground into wood chips.