Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Cicero
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.
Personal or Town-issued Alley/Curbside Cans Bin (Trash)
Trash must be securely bagged and placed in standard garbage cans. For homes with alley access, cans must be placed in the alleyway. Do not block the drivable path for sanitation trucks.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Small broken household items
Town-issued Blue Bags Bin (Recycling)
Use the free Blue Bags provided by the Town of Cicero for paper, plastic, and aluminum. Glass must be placed in a separate cardboard box to prevent injury to workers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass of any kind (must be boxed separately)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Place loose yard waste in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers up to 32 gallons. Branches must be bundled, no longer than 4 feet in length, and under 50 pounds per bundle.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Weeds and garden debris
- ✓Hedge trimmings and small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Ongoing, based on alley collection routes
Placement
Bulk waste must be placed neatly in the alley without blocking the thoroughfare for sanitation trucks or neighbors' garages.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household junk
- ✓ Flood-damaged debris (during declared events)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and wet paint
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Construction and demolition materials (without proper permits)
- ✕ Televisions and electronics
Standard household bulk items are collected at no extra charge by Public Works. However, major construction or remodeling debris requires private hauling or special arrangements.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a major observed holiday falls on a weekday, residential garbage and blue bag recycling collection will typically be pushed back one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
During the active season (April-November), yard waste collection will also experience a one-day delay following a major holiday.
Residents should monitor the Town of Cicero's official website and newsletter for exact holiday schedule adjustments, as municipal hours may vary slightly.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Glass Out of Blue Bags
The most important safety rule in Cicero is keeping glass out of the free municipal blue recycling bags. Broken glass in these soft bags poses a major laceration hazard to Public Works employees. Always box your glass separately.
No Plastic Bags for Lawn Debris
To comply with the Illinois statewide ban on yard waste in landfills, Cicero requires all grass and leaves to be placed in biodegradable paper yard bags or rigid personal cans. Plastic garbage bags filled with leaves will be rejected.
Break Down Cardboard for Drop-off
If you are utilizing the 24/7 recycling drop-off bins at the corner of 25th Street and 50th Avenue, ensure all large cardboard boxes are completely flattened. Unflattened boxes quickly jam the drop-off bins, preventing others from recycling.
Seasonal Information
Spring to Fall
April - NovemberThe Town of Cicero operates its municipal yard waste collection program from April through November. Ensure all organic landscape debris is separated from regular trash during these growing months.
Late Fall
October - NovemberDuring the heavy leaf drop season, residents must continue to use biodegradable paper bags for their leaves. Do not rake loose leaves into the streets or gutters, as this clogs Cicero's storm drains and causes localized flooding.
Winter
December - MarchWinter weather in Cook County can cause delays in alley collections. If a snow emergency is declared or snow accumulation exceeds 3 inches, Public Works prioritizes street plowing, which may slightly delay regular alley garbage routes.
About Cicero Waste Management
Cicero's Signature Blue Bag Recycling Program
In order to meet the unique challenges of a densely populated inner-ring suburb, the Town of Cicero utilizes a highly specific 'Blue Bag Program' for household recycling. Rather than distributing separate large recycling carts, the Department of Public Works provides residents with specialized blue bags entirely free of charge. Residents simply place their acceptable recyclables—such as aluminum, paper, and plastic—into these blue bags and set them out alongside their normal household garbage.
Special Handling for Glass Recyclables
A critical and unique rule in Cicero's waste management program is the handling of glass. To protect sanitation workers from severe injuries caused by shattered glass inside the soft blue recycling bags, residents are instructed to never put glass bottles or jars in the blue bags. Instead, all glass must be placed inside sturdy cardboard boxes and set separately from regular trash and blue bags for safe manual collection.
Alley-Based Bulk Waste Collection
Because Cicero features a dense grid of historical alleys, much of the town's standard refuse and bulk waste collection takes place in the alleyways rather than at the front curb. When disposing of large household items, furniture, or heavy debris, residents are required to place these items neatly in the alley. It is vital that bulk piles do not obstruct the drivable path, ensuring that Public Works trucks can safely navigate the tight corridors.
The 25th Street Recycling Drop-Off Hub
For residents who generate an excess amount of recyclable materials or who miss their regular collection schedule, the town maintains a dedicated, 24/7 public recycling drop-off location. Conveniently situated at the corner of 25th Street and 50th Avenue, these large municipal bins accept all standard household recyclables, offering a great alternative for overflow cardboard and plastics.
Drop-off Facilities
Cicero Public Drop-Off Recycling Bin
Corner of 25th Street and 50th Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804
Materials Accepted
Naperville Household Hazardous Waste Facility (Regional)
156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville, IL 60540
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How does recycling work in the Town of Cicero?
Cicero uses a unique Blue Bag Program instead of large recycling carts. The Town provides residents with blue bags for free. You must place your aluminum, paper, and plastic recyclables into these bags and set them out with your regular trash. Glass must be placed separately in a cardboard box.
Where can I drop off extra recycling if I have too much?
The Town of Cicero maintains a public recycling drop-off bin located at the corner of 25th Street and 50th Avenue. You can bring your excess flattened cardboard, plastics, and paper there at any time.
When does yard waste collection start in Cicero?
The municipal yard waste collection program typically runs from April through November. All grass, leaves, and soft garden debris must be placed in 32-gallon rigid containers or biodegradable paper yard bags. Plastic bags are not permitted.
How do I throw away large items like a couch or mattress?
If you have alley access, you can place large household items and furniture neatly in the alley alongside your regular garbage. Make sure the bulk items do not block the path for the Department of Public Works sanitation trucks.