Waukegan E-News - May 2022

Waukegan E-News is e-mailed once a month and contains important information about city services and upcoming events sponsored by the City of Waukegan and local partners. Subscription is free and you may unsubscribe at anytime.

From the Desk of
Mayor Ann B.Taylor

It’s finally warming up in Waukegan, which means we will be moving into summer soon enough. I hope everyone is taking this time to do some spring cleaning, maintain your yard, or spruce up the house.

I would also like to take a moment to reflect on my first year as mayor. It has been a truly incredible experience to serve the City of Progress. We have passed a balanced city budget two years in a row, and we have also increased city staffing to ensure our residents receive top-notch service. The best part is we did all this without raising taxes.

In the next year, we will focus on improving our infrastructure, removing lead pipes, and continuing to expand city services. Just like my first year in office, I will always fight to achieve all our goals without raising taxes on our hard-working residents.

Together, we are restoring Waukegan as the heart and soul of Lake County.

I wish everyone a happy and safe spring!

Fireworks are Illegal in Waukegan*

The sale and use of fireworks in Waukegan and in Illinois is illegal. The possession, transportation, or use of fireworks is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $2,500 or a year in prison, and carrying fireworks across state lines is also considered a federal offense. *Waukegan Municipal Code Sec. 9-2 FIRE SAFETY 425 ILCS 35/

Waukegan Fire Department is Accepting Applications

Waukegan Fire Department Accepting Applications

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 21 years of age at time of hire and must be at least 20 years old and less than 35 years of age at time of written exam, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have a valid driver’s license, and meet all requirements of the Waukegan Civil Service Commission and the State of Illinois. Waukegan Fire Department Application Information

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.

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

Click here to download the holiday list. Waste Collection and Recycling Tips

Waukegan Recycling Program

Glass and plastic bottles, aluminum, tin and steel cans, paper, flattened cardboard, paperboard, newspaper, magazines and food and beverage cartons are approved for collection in your household recycling container. Please make sure everything is empty to avoid contamination and please do not place recyclables in plastic bags. Waste Management Recycle Right Info

E-Waste Recycling Available

Electronic items can be recycled, but are not accepted through Waukegan’s curbside recycling program and will NOT be picked up with regular trash collection. Waukegan Public Works has a special dumpster that is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm (excluding holidays) for their disposal. Waste Collection Info

Used Tire Recycling Available

Used tires can be recycled, but are not accepted through Waukegan’s curbside recycling program and will NOT be picked up with regular trash collection. Waukegan Public Works has a special dumpster that is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm (excluding holidays) for their disposal. Tires must be off the rims. Waste Collection Info

Adopt-A-Road Program

The City of Waukegan Adopt-A-Road program gives community groups the opportunity to adopt portions of streets and roads to assist with litter control. Participating groups agree to adopt their desired location for a period of two years. Waukegan Public Works will provide garbage bags and will remove garbage after collection. Adopt-A-Road Application

Volunteer for a Beach Cleanup

Waukegan’s Beach Cleanup Program provides a fun and easy way for community groups, local clubs, and businesses to help reduce litter and also raise awareness about pollution
and the importance of protecting our natural ecosystems. Volunteers of all ages are essential to keep our beaches and lakefront clean. Waukegan Municipal Beach

New Waukegan Ward Map

Waukegan is divided into nine wards. The above map will help give you a general idea as to which ward you live in. Please call the City Clerk's Office at 847-599-2513 if you need help determining what ward you live in. Waukegan Ward Map

Experience the Arts in Downtown Waukegan

Downtown Waukegan is the artistic and cultural hub of Lake County. Join us on the third Saturday of every month for the monthly ArtWauk and enjoy live performances, shop for artisan-made products, and view classic and modern art at the galleries and venues in the Waukegan Arts & Entertainment District.

Waukegan Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Join the City of Waukegan for our Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade will step off at Washington and Genesee, continuing west to Veterans Plaza. If you would like to participate in the parade, please call 847-599-2525.

Free Yoga Sessions

Join Yoga instructor Marlene and your friends and neighbors for refreshing yoga at the beach, brought to you by the Waukegan Park District and the City of Waukegan. Bring a mat, yoga blocks if you wish, and good vibes. Namaste. All levels. Call 847-782-3300 for more info.

Waukegan PrideDrive 2022

Join the Waukegan Friends on Saturday, June 4th for the Waukegan Pride Drive! Gates open at 8:30am for the Festivities and vehicle decoration. All Registered Vehicles must be in the lot no later than 10:30am. The Drive runs from 11am to 11:30am. Waukegan PrideDrive Vehicle Registration Information

Lake County PrideFest 2022

Lake County PrideFest is one of Lake County's most highly anticipated summer events, drawing thousands. This year's event - June 4, Waukegan - (12pm-8pm, Genesee/Water streets) will be bigger and better than ever, including: drag shows, music, beer tent, food trucks, special activities for kids, and more! Lake County PrideFest 2022