Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Pekin
Trash Day
Trash is collected weekly, Monday through Friday, with your specific pickup day determined by your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected bi-weekly (every other week) on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected weekly on your regular trash day from the first full week in April through the Friday before Christmas.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste and recycling services are billed monthly as a designated line item on your City of Pekin municipal wastewater utility statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Drop Box, In-Person
96-gallon cart with a Gray/Black lid (or approved personal 35+ gallon can) Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged and fit completely inside the cart. Items left beside or on top of the cart, including bulk materials and construction debris, will not be collected.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Soiled paper
96-gallon cart (purchased from the City) Bin (Recycling)
Collection is voluntary and occurs bi-weekly on your normal trash day. Recyclables must be loose, clean, and dry. Do not bag your recycling.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastics #1 through #7
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Clean beverage carriers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass (No longer accepted)
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Active April to December. Containers (bags, 35-gal cans, or carts) must not exceed 50 pounds. A city yard waste sticker must be visible on every container facing the curb. Dirt, rocks, sod, and treated lumber are prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Garden plants and mulch
- ✓Small branches (maximum 5 feet in length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Prohibited from regular curbside collection.
Placement
Do not place large items next to your standard trash cart. They will not be serviced by the city trucks.
Accepted
- ✓ N/A (Prohibited curbside)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Furniture
- ✕ Mattresses and box springs
- ✕ White goods (appliances)
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ Construction materials (except bundled carpet under 4ft/50lbs)
Residents must hire private junk haulers, utilize local transfer stations, or wait for specially scheduled, city-hosted bulk clean-up events to dispose of oversized items.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, there will be no pickup that day. Collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as garbage and recycling collections.
If one of the observed holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your garbage, recycling, and yard waste will be collected on their regular schedule for that week.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilWeekly yard waste collection officially begins the first full week in April. Make sure to purchase your required yard waste stickers ahead of time at City Hall (111 South Capitol Street).
Summer/Fall
May - NovemberKeep an eye out for City-sponsored bulk disposal events. Since bulk items are prohibited from regular curbside pickup, these occasional clean-up days are the best time to dispose of old mattresses and furniture.
Winter
December - MarchThe yard waste program pauses the Friday before Christmas. During snowstorms, ensure your solid waste carts are placed clear of the roadways so city snowplows can operate safely and efficiently.
Local Tips & Community Info
Residential Trash Collection Guidelines
The City of Pekin Solid Waste Department is divided into three focused divisions to keep the community clean and sanitary: Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste. For all single-family homes and duplexes within city limits, curbside solid waste is picked up on a dependable weekly basis. Whether you are clearing out everyday household clutter or maintaining a regular sanitation schedule, the city's dedicated fleet ensures reliable and efficient neighborhood service.
Securing a City-Issued Garbage Tote
If you need a new bin, the City of Pekin operates a specialized wheeled garbage cart program designed for automated collection trucks. Residents do not need to buy these from a local hardware store; instead, you can purchase an official tote by visiting the second floor of City Hall, located at 111 S Capitol Street. After completing the purchase transaction, the public works team will conveniently deliver the new cart straight to your curb within one to two business days.
Holiday Adjustments for Waste Services
Holidays can sometimes disrupt your standard weekly routine. In Pekin, collection is delayed by exactly one day if a major recognized holiday falls on a weekday. The six official holidays that trigger this delay are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If any of these holidays happen to fall on a Saturday or Sunday, your regular weekday pickup schedule remains entirely unaffected.
Handling Your Seasonal Yard Debris
For seasonal outdoor cleanup, the Yard Waste division manages the removal of organic materials to keep local landfills free of compostable debris. Residents are encouraged to follow the city's seasonal guidelines to responsibly dispose of grass clippings, tree branches, and autumn leaves without mixing them into their standard refuse carts.
Digital Tools for Collection Schedules
To make tracking your specific collection day even easier, the city provides a highly useful Solid Waste and Recycling App. Simply enter your home street address into the digital tool to view your designated route, look up schedule changes, and ensure your carts are always rolled out on time. For further assistance or to report a missed pickup, residents can directly dial the department at 309-477-2300.
Drop-off Facilities
Tazewell County Health Department (Information & Guidance)
21306 IL-9, Tremont, IL 61568
Materials Accepted
Area Recycling Facility - GFL Environmental
South Pekin Area (Check website for specific drop-off details)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a new garbage cart in Pekin?
You can purchase an official wheeled garbage tote by visiting the second floor of City Hall at 111 S Capitol Street. It will be delivered to your curb in one to two business days.
Who do I contact if my trash or recycling was missed?
If your bin was missed on your scheduled day, you can contact the City of Pekin Solid Waste Department directly by calling 309-477-2300.
Are garbage pickups delayed for federal holidays?
Yes, pickups are delayed by one day for six major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, provided they fall on a weekday.