Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Algonquin
Trash Day
Trash is collected on Thursdays for residents east of Hanson Road (including the Highlands Subdivision), and on Fridays for residents west of Hanson Road (excluding the Highlands Subdivision).
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as trash (Thursday or Friday depending on location).
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on your regular collection day from the first full week in April through mid-December.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential waste and recycling collection services are provided by Groot Industries and billed quarterly, separate from your Village water and sewer bill.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
Seniors age 65 and older are eligible to apply for a discounted 35-gallon cart rate through Groot Customer Service.
Varies (Typically Green or Black provided by Groot) Bin (Trash)
Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on your designated collection day. Seniors 65 and older may apply for a discounted 35-gallon cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Varies (Typically Blue or Green with a distinct lid) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be placed loosely inside the dedicated lidded recycling cart. Do not bag your recyclables, and ensure all containers are rinsed clean.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Wire hangers
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Plastic bags and films
- ✕Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Plastic toys
Yard Waste Bin
Place in standard 32-gallon paper yard waste bags or reusable containers clearly marked with a red 'X'. A prepaid $3.49 sticker must be affixed to each bag or can, and weight must not exceed 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly
Placement
Place your single allowed bulk item directly next to your standard refuse cart by 7:00 AM on your regular collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Small furniture
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpeting (cut to 4-foot lengths)
- ✓ General large household goods under 50 lbs
Not Accepted
- ✕ White goods/appliances with CFCs
- ✕ Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
- ✕ Items over 50 pounds
- ✕ Concrete, dirt, gravel, or automotive parts
For items heavier than 50 lbs, residents must call Groot 24 hours in advance to schedule a special pickup (fees apply, typically $40). Appliances require a scheduled $45.00 pickup.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on or before your scheduled collection day, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. Friday pickups will occur on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as standard refuse and recycling.
If a designated holiday falls on a weekend, your standard Thursday or Friday collection will not be impacted.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to NovemberThe Village typically coordinates a free leaf collection program. Leaves must be bagged in standard paper yard waste bags or reusable cans marked with a red 'X'. Loose piles placed in the street or parkway will not be collected by Groot.
Winter
December to JanuaryHoliday trees are usually collected at no charge during the first weeks of January. Ensure all decorations, tinsel, lights, and plastic disposal bags are entirely removed before placing the tree at the curb.
Spring
April to MaySpecialized drop-off events open up at the Algonquin Township Road District on the last Saturday of the month. This is the perfect time to safely dispose of household electronics, used motor oil, and batteries.
Local Tips & Community Info
Modern Cart-Based Waste Collection
The Village of Algonquin has modernized its residential refuse and recycling program by partnering with Groot Industries. Transitioning to an automated cart-based system, the program prioritizes neighborhood cleanliness and operational efficiency. Every household is actively encouraged to participate in sustainable material management while enjoying consistent weekly service that minimizes the risk of loose litter and manual lifting injuries throughout the community.
Designated Collection Zones and Timings
Depending on where you reside in the village, your designated pickup day will be either Thursday or Friday. Neighborhoods situated east of Hanson Road, including the Highlands Subdivision, are serviced on Thursdays. Conversely, properties located west of Hanson Road are scheduled for Fridays. Regardless of your specific zone, Groot requires all refuse, recycling, and yard waste containers to be positioned directly behind the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. on the morning of your collection.
Cart Sizes and Senior Pricing
By default, single-family homes are equipped with a spacious 95-gallon refuse cart and a dedicated recycling bin. If you produce less waste, you may optionally request a permanent swap to a 65-gallon container. Additionally, Algonquin provides a specialized reduced-rate program for senior citizens aged 65 and older. Eligible seniors can apply through Groot for a compact 35-gallon refuse cart at a heavily discounted monthly rate, though age verification is formally mandated during the setup process.
Managing Seasonal Yard Waste
Yard waste collection operates seasonally from April through December. Residents have two convenient options to handle their grass clippings, branches, and autumn leaves. You can either rent a 95-gallon yard waste cart for a flat monthly subscription fee or utilize the traditional municipal sticker system. If you choose the pay-as-you-go route, prepaid yard waste stickers must be attached to 30-gallon biodegradable paper bags or rigid 32-gallon cans marked clearly with a large red X.
Bulk Items, Electronics, and White Goods
Each household is entitled to dispose of one standard large item weighing under 50 pounds for free each week. However, heavy appliances, often referred to as white goods, or bulky furniture exceeding the 50-pound weight limit require a special, pre-scheduled pickup for a designated fee. Electronic waste, such as old televisions and computers, cannot be mixed with regular garbage. Residents must contact Groot customer service directly at 847-734-6400 at least 24 hours in advance to arrange compliant e-waste removal.
Drop-off Facilities
Algonquin Township Road District Recycling Center
3702 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When are garbage collections delayed for holidays in Algonquin?
Groot observes a one-day service delay for the remainder of the week if New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas falls on a weekday. Weekend holidays do not impact the regular schedule.
Is there a discount for senior citizens on trash collection?
Yes, Algonquin residents aged 65 and older can apply for a smaller 35-gallon refuse cart at a reduced monthly rate by calling Groot at 847-734-6400 to verify their age and setup service.
How do I dispose of a heavy appliance or large furniture?
You must contact Groot to schedule a special pickup for appliances or any bulky items weighing over 50 pounds. A specific fee will be applied, and arrangements must be made 24 hours prior to your normal collection day.