Proper waste disposal in the Chicago metro area can be confusing with different rules across county lines. This guide demystifies the regulations in Will, Cook, and DuPage Counties, helping you understand what can go in regular trash, what requires special handling, and where to dispose of common problem items.
Will County Disposal Guidelines
Will County operates with municipal haulers but coordinates county-wide hazardous waste programs through the Will County Land Use Department.
Regular Trash Allowed
- Household garbage in approved containers
- Small furniture items (under 50 lbs)
- Non-recyclable packaging
- Yard waste in separate containers
Restricted Items
- Electronics: Banned from landfills, must be recycled
- Yard waste: Separate collection required April-November
- Large items: Requires special pickup arrangement
- Construction debris: Limited amounts, may require dumpster
Prohibited Items
- Hazardous chemicals & paints
- Automotive fluids & batteries
- Tires (unless with rim removal fee)
- Medical waste & sharps
Will County Specifics:
- Hazardous Waste: Collection events typically held spring and fall at various locations
- Electronics Recycling: Permanent drop-off at the Will County Office Building in Joliet
- Tire Disposal: Limited to 4 tires per resident per year at county events
- Landfill Options: Prairie View Recycling & Disposal Facility in Plainfield
Cook County Disposal Guidelines
Cook County has the most diverse regulations with municipal-specific rules but county-coordinated hazardous waste programs.
Regular Trash Allowed
- Standard household waste in city-provided carts
- Small amounts of DIY repair debris
- Properly bundled brush and branches
- Non-recyclable plastics #3-7
Restricted Items
- Electronics: Separate recycling required statewide
- Fluorescent bulbs: Contain mercury, special handling
- Mattresses: Some municipalities charge extra
- Batteries: All types require special disposal
Prohibited Items
- Paint (unless dried solid)
- Motor oil & automotive fluids
- Propane tanks & compressed gas
- Asbestos-containing materials
Cook County Specifics:
- Hazardous Waste: Year-round facility in Chicago (1150 N. Branch St.) plus seasonal events
- Electronics: Manufacturers must provide recycling under state law
- Paint: Latex paint can be dried with kitty litter and disposed in trash
- Landfill Options: Fewer options, most waste goes to transfer stations
DuPage County Disposal Guidelines
DuPage County has unified county-wide programs through the Department of Environmental Concerns.
Regular Trash Allowed
- Household waste in municipal carts
- Small appliances (non-Freon)
- Carpet and padding (limited amounts)
- Properly prepared yard waste
Restricted Items
- Electronics: Must use county recycling centers
- Freon appliances: Require certified removal
- Construction debris: Weight limits apply
- Textiles: Separate recycling encouraged
Prohibited Items
- Liquid paints and stains
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Medical waste and medications
- Business/commercial waste
DuPage County Specifics:
- Hazardous Waste: Permanent facility in Carol Stream (open select days)
- Electronics: Multiple drop-off locations throughout county
- Medication: Prescription drug take-back boxes at police stations
- Landfill Options: Greene Valley Solid Waste Campus in Woodridge
Common Problem Items: County-by-County Solutions
Electronics
Will: Permanent drop-off in Joliet
Cook: Manufacturer take-back required
DuPage: Multiple recycling locations
All counties prohibit electronics in landfills
Paint
Will/Cook/DuPage: Latex paint can be dried and trashed
Oil-based: Hazardous waste events only
Alternative: Donate usable paint to community groups
Tires
Will: 4 tires/year at events
Cook: Check with municipality
DuPage: Recycling facility accepts with fee
Most tire shops accept old tires with purchase
Large Furniture
All Counties: Bulk pickup programs vary by municipality
Alternative: Consider Demolition services for large quantities
Donation: Many items accepted by local charities
Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Typical Schedule (Check County Websites for Current Dates):
- Will County: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) events at rotating locations
- Cook County: Year-round facility plus spring/summer community events
- DuPage County: Permanent facility with extended hours during peak seasons
Accepted at ALL Events: Paints, solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, cleaning chemicals.
NOT Accepted: Explosives, radioactive materials, medical waste, business/commercial waste.
Key Takeaways for Tri-County Homeowners
- Check your municipality first—county rules provide minimum standards, but cities may have stricter requirements
- Electronics are never trash—Illinois law prohibits landfill disposal of electronic devices
- Dry your latex paint—it's the only paint that can go in regular trash once solidified
- Utilize county resources—all three counties offer recycling guides and disposal databases online
- Plan for hazardous waste—save up problem items for collection events rather than improper disposal
- When in doubt, ask—county environmental departments have helplines for disposal questions