Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Melrose Park
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.
Republic Services Cart (or 33-gallon personal can) Bin (Trash)
Place at the curb the night before or before 7:00 AM on your scheduled pickup day (Tuesdays and Fridays for most areas). Remove empty containers from the curbline after collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste and scraps
- ✓Non-recyclable wrappers and plastics
- ✓Small broken household items
Republic Services Recycling Cart Bin (Recycling)
Place items loosely in the recycling cart. Do not bag recyclables in plastic. Must be placed out the night before or by 7:00 AM on service day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Aluminum cans and steel tins
- ✓Clean plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags or film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on Fridays from April through November. Must use a 33-gallon refuse can with a landscape sticker or biodegradable paper bags. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and weeds
- ✓Plant and garden debris
- ✓Small twigs and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled Republic Services collection day
Placement
Place at the curb the night before or by 7:00 AM on your collection day. Once village trucks pass, they will not return for late items.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches, tables, and desks
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Chairs and standard furniture
- ✓ DIY remodeling debris (collected separately by Public Works)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Contractor-generated construction debris
- ✕ Electronics and televisions
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paints and solvents
Standard household furniture is collected by Republic Services at no extra charge. For DIY remodeling debris, the first Public Works truckload is free, with fees for subsequent loads.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, Republic Services collections for the remainder of the week are typically delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Friday yard waste collection will be pushed to Saturday during weeks with a recognized holiday.
Public Works remodeling debris pickup may also be delayed; always place items out before 7:00 AM regardless of holiday week adjustments.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Never Burn Your Yard Waste
It is against Village ordinance to burn leaves, branches, or trash anywhere in Melrose Park. Violators will be ticketed and fined. Always bag yard waste properly for Friday pickup.
Contractor Debris is Prohibited
While Public Works collects DIY remodeling debris, any waste generated by hired contractors will be rejected at the curb. Contractors must haul away their own waste or rent a commercial dumpster.
Don't Bag Your Recyclables
Plastic grocery bags and garbage bags wrap around the sorting gears at the recycling facility. Keep your cardboard, plastics, and cans completely loose in your Republic Services recycling cart.
Seasonal Information
Spring through Fall
April - NovemberYard waste collection runs exclusively on Fridays from April through November. All organic material must be correctly placed in paper bags or a stickered 33-gallon can.
Late Autumn
October - NovemberDuring peak leaf fall, never rake your leaves into the street, alley, or along the Silver Creek embankment, as this blocks storm sewers and causes localized flooding.
Winter
December - MarchWhen severe winter storms hit, keep your carts recessed in your driveway rather than in the street. This allows the Public Works snowplows and TV 380 Skid Loaders to safely clear the roadways.
About Melrose Park Waste Management
Melrose Park's Dual-Service Waste Collection Program
Unlike many municipalities, the Village of Melrose Park utilizes a dual-service approach to residential waste management. Everyday household garbage, single-stream recycling, and standard furniture items are collected twice weekly (typically Tuesdays and Fridays) by Republic Services. Meanwhile, the Melrose Park Public Works Department operates its own specialized fleet to collect homeowner-generated remodeling debris, operating on a separate Monday-through-Thursday schedule depending on your neighborhood zone.
Proper Disposal of DIY Construction and Remodeling Debris
For residents undertaking DIY home renovations, the Village of Melrose Park Public Works Department offers a unique curbside pickup service for materials like drywall, cement, and kitchen cabinets. This service is strictly for homeowner-generated waste, not commercial contractors. The first truckload is collected completely free of charge. However, any subsequent truckloads will incur a special fee, or the homeowner will be responsible for private removal.
Strict Regulations on Yard Waste and Fall Leaves
Maintaining your property's landscape in Melrose Park requires adherence to specific seasonal rules. Yard waste is exclusively collected on Fridays from April through November. Residents must place grass clippings and brush in a 33-gallon refuse can with a landscape sticker or in biodegradable paper bags. Notably, raking leaves into the street or alley is strictly prohibited, and the Melrose Park Fire Department aggressively enforces a ban on burning leaves and trash within village limits.
Automated Carts and Securing Replacements
Republic Services provides heavy-duty automated carts for both standard refuse and single-stream recycling. The Village of Melrose Park Public Works Department no longer stocks or distributes these bins. If your garbage or recycling can is damaged, stolen, or missing, residents must contact Republic Services Customer Service directly at (708) 345-7050 to request a replacement.
Drop-off Facilities
Naperville Household Hazardous Waste Facility
156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville, IL 60540
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Melrose Park pick up construction and remodeling debris?
Yes, the Melrose Park Public Works Department operates a specialized pickup for homeowner-generated remodeling items like drywall, cement, and cabinets. The first truckload is free. However, this excludes contractor-generated waste, which must be hauled away privately.
When is yard waste picked up in Melrose Park?
Yard waste is collected by Republic Services on Fridays from April through November. You must place your grass clippings and leaves in a 33-gallon can with a landscape sticker or in biodegradable paper bags. Plastic bags are not accepted.
Who do I call if my garbage or recycling can is broken or stolen?
The Village of Melrose Park Public Works Department no longer supplies or replaces automated carts. For a missing or damaged garbage or recycling can, you must call Republic Services directly at (708) 345-7050 to request a replacement.
Is it legal to burn leaves or trash in Melrose Park?
No. It is strictly against Village of Melrose Park ordinances to burn any yard waste, leaves, or trash anywhere within the village limits. Residents caught burning waste will be ticketed and fined.