Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Algonquin
In Illinois, garbage and recycling services run on weekly zone-based routes. Exact pickup days vary by local municipality and private hauler.
State Mandate
Electronics and landscape waste are strictly banned from landfills.
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
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of the Cart
Plastic grocery bags and protective shipping films are massive hazards for recycling centers. They easily tangle in automated sorting machinery, causing facility shutdowns. Always keep your recyclables loose; return plastic bags to local grocery store drop-offs.
Ditch the Wire Hangers
Although they are made of metal, thin wire hangers cannot be processed in your curbside recycling bin and often snag processing equipment. Consider donating them or returning them to your local dry cleaner.
Empty and Rinse Your Containers
A single unrinsed plastic container or half-full soda can can ruin an entire batch of clean paper and cardboard. Always take a moment to thoroughly rinse and dry all plastic clamshells, bottles, and cans before tossing them in the recycling.
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.
About Algonquin Waste Management
Algonquin's Shift to Automated Cart Collection
In June 2026, the Village of Algonquin significantly upgraded its residential waste management by transitioning from a manual sticker-based system to a streamlined, cart-based program. Partnering with Groot Industries, this modern approach improves neighborhood cleanliness and worker safety by utilizing 95-gallon or 65-gallon lidded carts for seamless automated pickup.
Determining Your Collection Day
Refuse and recycling services in Algonquin run strictly on Thursdays and Fridays. Your specific collection day is determined by where you live in relation to Hanson Road. Residents located east of Hanson Road, including the Highlands Subdivision, have their bins emptied on Thursdays. Conversely, households west of Hanson Road (excluding the Highlands) are scheduled for Friday pickups.
Navigating Yard Waste Disposal
While standard trash is now covered under a flat monthly rate, Algonquin retains a sticker system for seasonal yard waste. Grass clippings, leaves, and small brush require a $3.49 sticker for each 32-gallon paper bag or designated reusable container. Keep an eye on the village calendar, as Algonquin frequently hosts free leaf collection periods where stickers are not required.
The Weekly Bulk Item Perk
One of the most beneficial changes implemented in the 2026 Groot contract is the weekly free bulk item allowance. Algonquin residents can place one large item weighing under 50 pounds at the curb alongside their refuse cart each week at no extra cost. This convenient service has fully replaced the village's traditional annual Spring Cleanup event, allowing for flexible decluttering year-round.
Drop-off Facilities
Algonquin Township Road District Recycling Center
3702 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When does garbage collection happen in Algonquin, IL?
Groot collects residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste on either Thursday or Friday. Homes situated east of Hanson Road (including the Highlands) have Thursday pickups, while homes west of Hanson Road have Friday pickups.
How do I dispose of old TVs and electronics in Algonquin?
Electronics are banned from Illinois landfills and cannot be placed in your curbside bin. You can schedule a special curbside pickup with Groot (which carries a $30 collection fee plus $5 per item), or drop off one free TV/monitor per household during the Algonquin Township Road District's specialized monthly recycling events, provided you have proof of residency.
Can I still use my leftover Algonquin garbage stickers?
Since the village shifted to a cart-based program in June 2026, standard garbage stickers are no longer needed for weekly cart service. However, yard waste and any extra refuse bags beyond your cart's capacity (and beyond your one free weekly bulk item) still require a $3.49 sticker.
What do I do with large household appliances like refrigerators?
Large household appliances, often referred to as 'white goods', require a special scheduled pickup to comply with state law and safely remove CFC gas. You must contact Groot Customer Service at 847-734-6400 at least 24 hours prior to your collection day. A $45.00 fee applies per appliance.