Two Chicago rules that decide what goes in the container
Rule 1: recycle half, if your project is covered
Municipal Code 11-4-1905, Chicago's construction and demolition recycling ordinance, requires covered projects to recycle at least 50% of their debris. Within 30 days of finishing, the owner files a notarized form backed by an affidavit from the hauler.
Covered: new buildings of four or more units; non-residential work over 4,000 square feet; rehabs that need a new certificate of occupancy; and some larger demolitions.
Exempt: single houses and two- and three-flats (under four units), and any job that needs only a plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit.
If you are covered, say so when you ask for quotes. You need a hauler that sorts loads and will sign the affidavit.
Rule 2: chemicals have their own drop-off
Household chemicals, batteries, fluorescent tubes and anything with mercury belong at the City's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility, 1150 N. North Branch Street, not in a roll-off.
- Open
- Tuesday 7 am to noon
- Thursday 2 pm to 7 pm
- First Saturday of each month, 8 am to 3 pm
- Who may use it
- Chicago residents; businesses are turned away
- Refused there
- Latex paint, alkaline batteries, appliances and medicines
Sources
- City of Chicago, Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility, read November 4, 2026
- Chicago Dept. of Public Health, C&D Recycling Ordinance overview, read November 4, 2026