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Streets & Sanitation

Streets and Sanitation


Garbage Removal


The City of Chicago is responsible for garbage removal for residents that live in a single-family home or a building of 4 units or less.  Residents that do not qualify for city services are required to have a private hauling service but are entitled to a Refuse Rebate. 



Garbage is removed by the city once a week. While the Department of Streets and Sanitation will attempt to remove garbage on the same day every week on occasion inclement weather, city holidays, or other unexpected circumstances may cause pick up to be held on a different day. To find which day garbage is picked up on your block call 312-744-4558.



Street Cleaning

Clean streets are an important part of a safe and enjoyable neighborhood. In order to keep our streets clean the Department of Streets and Sanitation will run street sweepers down every block in the 6th ward twice a month. This service begins on April 1st and will continue until November 30th, weather permitting.


When cars are parked on the street during this service some areas cannot be swept. To avoid an interruption in service, colored Street Sweeping signs are posted on your block notifying you in advance of a street sweeping day. To avoid parking tickets, the streets scheduled to be swept should remain clear of vehicles between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on the day posted.


To find out which day Street Sweeping will take place on your block you can visit the Street Sweeping Schedule


In some cases, a small section of your block may need special attention. Please feel free to contact our office or the 6th Ward Streets and Sanitation office directly at (312) 744-4558 to request a special street cleaning service.



Ward Yard


Each of Chicago’s 50 wards has a local Streets and Sanitation office. This office is responsible for Garbage Removal, Street Cleaning, Sanitation Inspections, and addressing specific sanitation problem that may arise in the ward.

Bulk Pickups

The City of Chicago no longer provides request based bulk pick ups. If you have large items that do not fit in your garbage carts please organize them next to your carts in a manner that will not block vehicles traveling down the alley. The Department of Streets and Sanitation will pick up these items with your refuse on your regularly scheduled pick up day.


Please note: The Department of Streets and Sanitation will not pick up construction debris.



Recycling

The City is currently transitioning to a full separate collection system for recycling and yard waste for all residential buildings of four units or less. This Blue Cart Program began with a pilot program in select neighborhoods in 2006. Due to the success of the pilot program the service is being slowly expanded to other neighborhoods across the city and will be available city-wide by 2011.


The service will be coming soon to the 6th ward but in the meantime if you wish to recycle your refuse you can visit any of the City of Chicago’s Recycling Drop Off Centers. For more information on the Recycling Drop-off Centers including locations, click here.