Waste Collection and Recycling Tips

Collection Information and Holidays

Scavenger Services

The City of Waukegan contracts refuse collection with Waste Management, a private disposal company. Under the current terms of the contract, Waste Management agrees to collect all residential garbage and recyclables once per week, and yardwaste in season. One bulk item such as furniture and carpeting may be placed next to the standard trash container at the curb for regular weekly pickup. Containers should be placed at the curb no earlier than 5PM the night preceding collection and removed from the curb by 6PM the evening of collection.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Recycling Items

See this sheet of all acceptable and unacceptable recycling items. Carts that are contaminated with excessive garbage, trash, or non-recycling items will be tagged with a note/sticker and will not be collected until unacceptable items are removed.

Recycling Cart Collection Location

Place your cart within two feet of the curb or street in front of your home in a clear area, away from cars, mailboxes, light posts, bushes and any other obstructions near the street or on the parkway. The lid hinge should face towards your house. The recycling collection truck uses semi-automated equipment so it is important that the carts are set out in this manner and easily reachable. If the semi-automated equipment can not reach your cart, it may not be emptied.

Do not leave items outside the cart. The cart marked Recycling Only should NEVER be used for non-recyclables or trash.

Additional Recycling Carts & Larger Carts

Residents may lease an additional recycling cart by calling Waste Management.

Regular Trash Collection Program

The Trash collection program includes once-per-week collection and is billed to the resident through the property tax and water bill. Residents should place all trash inside the container in order to be picked up. Keep all container lids closed. Each resident is also allowed ONE bulk item for pick-up outside of the trash cart at no additional charge. Bulk items include small furniture and fixtures and must weigh less than 50 pounds each so one person can lift it into the truck. Carpeting must be rolled, tied, or bundled, and be less than five (5’) feet in length.

Extra Trash / Bulk Items / Building Materials

Extra pick-ups must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling Waste Management. This includes all additional items that do not fit inside the cart, that exceed the limit of ONE bulk items, or that weigh more than 50 pounds each. Residents will be charged directly.

Missing Carts

Neither the City nor Waste Management replaces missing/stolen carts, or broken carts due to overloading. Residents must purchase a replacement cart. Broken carts due to normal wear and tear will be exchanged by Waste Management at no charge.

Burning Waste is Prohibited

Per City ordinance, the open burning of leaves, brush, trimmings from trees or bushes, paper, garbage, refuse, waste, or other combustible material on any property, public or private, within the City limits is prohibited. (Chapter 10, Section 10-8)

Yardwaste Collection

Get information concerning yardwaste collection.

Garbage Collection Holidays

Whenever the holidays listed below fall on a day during the week, the scheduled pickup day will be delayed by one day.  Click here to download the holiday list. 

  • New Years Day
  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Disposal and Recycling Tips

  • Shredded paper is not recyclable in the curbside cart. You may choose to recycle shredded paper at any number of schools or the Waukegan Public Library bins.
  • Plastic bags are not recyclable in the curbside cart. You may choose to recycle them at Jewel or Walmart.

For more information, call Waste Management at 847-623-3870, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm.

Electronics Recycling

The City has a dumpster located at Public Works for electronics recycling. Electronics will NOT be picked up with regular trash collection. Accepted electronics can be found here. Access to the dumpster is available Monday through Friday, 7am to 3:30pm (excluding holidays.)

Tire Recycling

The City has a dumpster located at Public Works for tires. Tires will NOT be picked up with regular trash collection. Tires must be off the rims to be recycled at Public Works. Access to the dumpster is available Monday through Friday, 7am to 3:30pm (excluding holidays.) 

Textile Recycling

The City has a bin located at Public Works for textiles.  Accepted clothing and textiles can be found here.  The bin is available Monday through Friday, 7am to 3:30pm.(excluding holidays.)