Chicago Blue Cart Recycling: What Goes In (and What Doesn't) — Your Complete Guide

Your blue cart is the easiest recycling tool you have — but only if you're using it right. Chicago's curbside recycling program accepts a lot, but not everything, and knowing the difference keeps the whole system running smoothly.

First, check whether the program covers you. The City's Blue Cart service goes to buildings of one to four units. If you live in a building of five units or more, the City does not collect your recycling — a private hauler arranged by your building owner or property manager does. Under the Chicago Recycling Ordinance those haulers must still accept the common household recyclables below, but ask your building what its program takes.

♻️ What Goes in Your Chicago Blue Cart

Chicago's blue cart program accepts most common household recyclables. Here's what you can toss in:

Paper & Cardboard:

• Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books

• Office paper, junk mail, envelopes (windows are fine)

• Cardboard boxes (flattened)

• Paperboard (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes)

• Paper bags

Plastic Containers:

• Bottles and jugs with necks (soda, milk, detergent, shampoo)

• Rigid plastic containers (yogurt cups, deli containers, takeout containers)

• Plastic tubs (butter, cottage cheese, ice cream)

• Look for the number on the bottom — #1-5 and #7 are accepted. #6 (polystyrene) is not.

Metal:

• Aluminum cans (soda, beer, sparkling water)

• Steel and tin cans (soup, vegetables, pet food)

• Metal lids and caps

Glass:

• Bottles and jars (any color)

• Food containers

• Beverage bottles

Important: Everything should be empty, clean, and dry. You don't need to scrub — a quick rinse is enough. Leave caps and lids on bottles and jars (they'll be sorted at the facility).

🚫 What Does NOT Go in Your Blue Cart

These items contaminate the recycling stream or damage sorting equipment. Keep them out:

Plastic Film & Bags:

• Grocery bags, produce bags, bread bags

• Plastic wrap, bubble wrap, air pillows

• Dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves

• Chip bags, candy wrappers

• Where they go: Store drop-off bins at most major grocery stores

Styrofoam (Polystyrene Foam):

• Takeout containers, coffee cups

• Packing peanuts, foam blocks

• Coolers, foam egg cartons

• Where it goes: The trash. Chicago Recycles runs no foam collection events — its programs are food scrap drop-off, the backyard compost bin giveaway, community composting, pumpkin composting, holiday tree recycling and e-waste.

Food-Soiled Paper:

• Pizza boxes with grease stains

• Used paper plates, napkins, paper towels

• Food-contaminated cardboard

• Where it goes: Compost (if you have a bin) or trash

Hazardous Materials:

• Batteries (rechargeable or single-use)

• Electronics (phones, tablets, laptops)

• Light bulbs (CFLs, LEDs, incandescent)

• Paint cans, motor oil, chemicals

• Where they go: Household hazardous waste drop-off sites or electronics recycling events

Other Common Mistakes:

• Clothing and textiles (donate or use textile recycling bins)

• Diapers, tissues, wipes

• Broken glass, ceramics, mirrors

• Hoses, extension cords, holiday lights (they tangle sorting equipment)

• Propane tanks, fire extinguishers

How to Prep Your Recyclables

Do:

• Empty containers completely

• Give them a quick rinse (no food residue)

• Flatten cardboard boxes to save space

• Leave labels on (they'll be removed during processing)

• Keep caps on bottles and jars

Don't:

• Bag your recyclables (loose items only — bags jam the machines)

• Nest containers inside each other (they won't get sorted)

• Include items smaller than a credit card (they fall through sorting screens)

Collection Day Tips

Chicago picks up blue carts every other week. Your zone's schedule highlights the week your street is served — look yours up on the City's Blue Cart schedule and maps page, or call 311.

On collection day:

• Alley service: put your blue cart out for your entire highlighted week — the exact service day within that week can vary

• Curbside service: put your cart out on your garbage day during your highlighted week, unless you are notified otherwise

• Have the cart out the night before either way — trucks can arrive as early as 7 a.m.

• Place it at least 3 feet away from your trash cart, cars, and other obstacles

• Make sure the lid can open fully (don't overfill)

• If your cart is damaged or missing, call 311 for a free replacement

When in Doubt, Leave It Out

Contamination is the biggest threat to Chicago's recycling program. When non-recyclables get mixed in, they can ruin entire truckloads of good material. If you're not sure whether something belongs in the blue cart, throw it in the trash or look up the item on the city's recycling website.

The most common contaminants:

• Plastic bags (they shut down sorting equipment for hours)

• Food waste (it spoils clean paper and cardboard)

• Diapers and wipes (yes, people try)

• Hoses and cords (they wrap around machinery)

• Aerosol cans and lithium-ion batteries (the City names both as contaminants that should never go in a blue cart)

Property Managers & Building Owners: Blue Cart Recycling at Scale

If you manage a multi-unit building or commercial property in Chicago, you're required to provide recycling service to tenants. GreenWay can help you stay compliant with:

• Right-sized blue cart or dumpster service

• Tenant education materials (what goes where)

• Contamination audits to improve diversion rates

• Flexible pickup schedules that match your building's needs

Call us at (773) 522-0025 to discuss your property's recycling setup.

Questions About Your Blue Cart?

For city service questions — missed pickups, damaged carts, collection schedules — call 311. For commercial recycling or property management needs, GreenWay is here to help at (773) 522-0025.