The City has several methods of disposal of "odd" items for residents. Some are through our contracted waste hauler, LRS, while some can be dropped off at Public Works (1111 Joseph Schwab Road) Wednesdays only, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

How Do I Dispose Of...

Bulk Items 
One ‘bulk’ item may be placed out for collection each week at no additional cost. ‘Bulk’ items are defined as items too large to fit into your waste cart, and 50lbs in weight or less. ‘Bulk’ items do not include ‘white’ goods (appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) or electronic waste, certain types of construction debris (concrete, stone, masonry etc.), dirt, tree stumps and engines, among other items. For safety reasons, LRS prefers that all mattresses are wrapped in plastic or placed in a mattress bag. For additional ‘bulk’ collection outside of the weekly limit of one item, please contact LRS to schedule service. Items will be charged on a per-yard basis.

White Goods
‘White’ goods are generally defined as appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, ovens, but include other items as well. LRS will collect these items, but they must be scheduled for collection. Please remove doors from the appliance. Contact LRS to learn about collection fees and scheduling.

Batteries
Automobile batteries: Residents ONLY may bring automobile batteries to Public Works. Limit 2.

Household batteries: Residents ONLY may bring household batteries to Public Works. Nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion and small sealed lead batteries accepted. Batteries over 1.5V must be taped.

Computers and Electronics

Construction Debris
Up to one cubic yard of construction debris may be placed out for collection each week. Construction debris is defined as basic material that is consistent with household projects, renovations and clean-outs.

Vulcan Materials of Elk Grove 847-437-4181 can be contacted for disposal of asphalt, brick or concrete at a cost.

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore accepts re-usable, undamaged housing materials such as doors, flooring, lumber, hardware, etc. 847-742-9905.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Hardware stores including Ace, Home Depot and True Value accept compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) for recycling. Click here for a list of locations

Another option, for Des Plaines residents ONLY, is to bring household fluorescent light bulbs to Public Works. Limit 4.

Household Hazardous Waste
Year-round Household Hazardous Waste disposal is available through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Please contact IEPA at 217-785-8604 or check their website for further information.

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) in Gurnee also accepts Household Hazardous Waste, by appointment only, twice per month: the second Saturday of every month and the fourth Monday of every month (except December). To schedule an appointment, contact SWALCO at 847-336-9340.

Motor Oil
O'Reilly Auto Parts accepts motor oil and oil filters for recycling, 1589 Lee St, Des Plaines. 847-635-6014. Other garages may also accept items.

Paint
Open LATEX paint can(s) in a well-ventilated area and allow the paint to dry and harden completely (this may take a few days). An absorbent such as cat litter, sand or shredded paper may be added to absorb the moisture. Make sure the mixture is completely dry before disposing of the latex paint can in the garbage container.

OIL-BASED paints must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility. 

Prescription Medication Disposal
There is a drug collection bin in the lobby of the Des Plaines Police Department at 1440 Miner Street, Des Plaines. Find other locations through the Illinois EPA.

Tires
Recycle your tires at ease! Des Plaines residents may bring tires (no rims) to our Public Works facility. Limit 2 tires per drop-off.

Public Works (1111 Joseph Schwab Road) Wednesdays only, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.