Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Huntley
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.
95-gallon Toter (provided by MDC) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be stored securely. Bins cannot be placed at the curb sooner than 6:00 PM the day before pickup and must be kept out of sight (in a garage or behind a landscape screen) on non-collection days.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Soiled paper
65-gallon Toter (provided by MDC) Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is unlimited but items must be placed loose in the container. Do not bag recyclables. Do not cram other items into cardboard boxes.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard (broken down to 3x3 ft or smaller)
- ✓Clean paper and magazines
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, wires)
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Active from the first Monday in April to the second Monday in December. Use kraft bags or an MDC yard waste cart. Branches must not exceed 4 feet in length, 40 pounds, or 2 inches in diameter, and bundles must be under 18 inches thick. Dirt and sod are not accepted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Weeds
- ✓Twigs and small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly
Placement
Place eligible bulk items at the curb next to your standard trash toter. Items over 50 pounds require a special pickup.
Accepted
- ✓ Small furniture
- ✓ Boxes and crates
- ✓ Barrels
- ✓ Items that can be lifted by one driver
Not Accepted
- ✕ White goods (appliances like refrigerators or washers)
- ✕ Electronics (TVs, computers)
- ✕ Construction waste
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Car batteries
Oversized items (requiring two or more people to lift, such as a hot tub) and white goods require calling MDC in advance to schedule a special pickup and will incur an additional per-item fee (e.g., $60.69 per white good).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on or before your regularly scheduled collection day, service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection (April-December) follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as standard trash and recycling.
When a holiday falls on a weekend and is legally observed on a Monday (for example, if Christmas is on a Sunday, it is observed Monday), collections for that week will shift by one day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Never Bag Your Recyclables
The number one contaminant in Huntley's recycling stream is plastic grocery and garbage bags. Always leave your items loose in the 65-gallon toter to prevent jamming the sorting machines.
Break Down Your Boxes
Cardboard must be broken down and flattened to a size of 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller. Do not try to cram paper, plastic, or other recyclable materials inside an intact cardboard box.
Keep Dirt Out of Yard Waste
While weeds, grass, and leaves are perfectly fine for the yard waste collection, dirt, rocks, and sod are strictly prohibited and will result in your yard waste bags being left at the curb.
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilYard waste collection resumes on the first Monday of April. Be sure to attend the annual 'Green and Clean Huntley Day' at the Municipal Complex to securely shred documents and recycle bulky electronics like old TVs and computers.
Summer
June - AugustFollowing summer storms, brush pickup rules are strictly enforced. All branches must be bundled (max 4 feet long, under 40 lbs, individual branches under 2 inches thick) to be picked up by MDC.
Winter
December - MarchThe yard waste program officially ends on the second Monday in December. Ensure all waste carts are placed clear of the street during snowstorms to prevent interference with Village snow plows.
About Huntley Waste Management
Dependable Residential Waste Services in Huntley
Known as the 'Friendly Village with Country Charm,' Huntley maintains its beautiful neighborhoods through a comprehensive waste management program. The Village contracts with MDC Environmental Services to handle all residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection—with the exception of the Sun City community, which operates under a separate agreement. Residents are provided with designated toters to keep the streets clean and organized.
Navigating Huntley's Recycling Program
MDC provides each household with a 65-gallon recycling toter designed for single-stream, unlimited recycling. This means residents do not need to sort their paper, plastics, and glass. However, proper preparation is key. All recyclables must be placed loosely into the bin without plastic bags, as these bags severely damage processing equipment. Large cardboard must be broken down to pieces no larger than 3x3 feet to ensure a smooth pickup.
Strict Cart Storage and Placement Rules
To preserve Huntley’s suburban aesthetic, the Village has strict ordinances regarding the storage of waste carts. Carts must be kept entirely out of sight when not at the curb—either stored inside a garage or completely obscured behind a fence or landscaping. Carts can be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM on the evening preceding your scheduled collection day and must be removed promptly after pickup.
Seasonal Yard Waste and Brush Collection
Given Northern Illinois' distinct seasons, Huntley offers a robust yard waste collection program that runs from the first Monday of April through the second Monday in December. The service is included in your standard MDC monthly fee. Residents can use kraft paper yard bags or rent a specialized yard waste cart directly from MDC. Twigs and brush must be bundled properly to ensure they can be safely loaded by the drivers.
Green & Clean Huntley Day
Every spring, typically in April, the Village hosts 'Green and Clean Huntley Day' at the Municipal Complex. This highly anticipated community event provides residents with a safe and legal way to dispose of items banned from landfills. It offers specialized drop-off stations for electronic waste recycling (like TVs and computers), secure paper document destruction, and even shoe and eyeglass donation programs.
Drop-off Facilities
Huntley Municipal Complex (Green & Clean Huntley Day Only)
10987 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Materials Accepted
MDC Environmental Services Main Office
1050 Greenlee Street, Marengo, IL 60152
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my trash carts outside next to my garage in Huntley?
No. Village ordinance requires that all garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers be kept out of sight from the front of the residence when not out for collection. They must be stored inside your garage, or entirely obscured behind a fence or landscape screen.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or hot tub?
These items are either considered 'White Goods' or 'Oversized Items' and are not included in the standard free bulk pickup. You must contact MDC Environmental Services directly at 815-568-7274 to schedule a special collection, which requires an additional fee.
Does my garbage pickup change if I live in Sun City?
Yes. MDC Environmental Services is the village-wide hauler for all residential properties in Huntley except for the Sun City community, which operates under its own separate waste management agreement. Sun City residents should consult their HOA for specific schedules.
What months does the Village pick up yard waste?
Seasonal yard waste collection begins on the first Monday of April and runs continuously through the second Monday in December. This service is included in your standard monthly trash bill.