Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Plainfield
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.
Green or Gray Bin (Trash)
Use the Village-provided 96- or 64-gallon cart. Overages must be placed in 33-gallon bags or cans weighing under 50 lbs. Place curbside by 6:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household kitchen waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and wrappers
- ✓Paper towels and tissues
- ✓Textiles (if not donated)
Blue or Green with Yellow Lid Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the cart. Do not use plastic bags to hold recyclables. Keep items clean and dry.
Accepted Items
- ✓Dry cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Paper and mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Loose plastic bags and film
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Use biodegradable kraft paper bags or a rented WM yard waste cart. Do not include dirt, rocks, or sod.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small twigs and plant debris
- ✓Bundled brush (max 4 feet, 50 lbs)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Appointment / Weekly for Extra Bags
Placement
Keep carts and bulky items at least four feet away from parked cars, mailboxes, and each other to allow the automated truck arms to operate safely.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and mattresses (by appointment)
- ✓ Extra household trash (in 33-gallon bags)
- ✓ Small broken furniture
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Auto parts and tires
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals (use At Your Door service instead)
- ✕ Unbundled brush
Extra 33-gallon bags of household trash are collected at no extra charge. Large furniture or appliances may incur a fee; call (800) 964-8988 to confirm.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When an observed holiday falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday), collection services for the remainder of that week will be delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
During the active season (April to mid-December), yard waste pickups are delayed exactly alongside standard trash and recycling schedules.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, your weekday collection schedule typically remains unaffected.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Never Bag Your Recyclables
The most frequent recycling mistake is putting items in plastic garbage bags. Sorting facilities cannot open these bags, and they jam the machinery. Always leave your recyclables loose in the bin.
Keep Dirt Out of Yard Waste
When pulling weeds or removing shrubs, make sure to shake off all topsoil and dirt. Dirt, rocks, and sod are not compostable and will cause Waste Management to reject your yard waste bags.
Schedule Electronics Separately
Do not hide old phones, laptops, or batteries in your refuse or recycling carts. These can cause fires in the trucks. Instead, use the free 'At Your Door' special collection program for safe disposal.
Seasonal Information
Spring/Fall
April - DecemberYard waste collection is entirely seasonal. It officially begins in April and ends following the second full week of December. During the winter, no organic waste will be collected.
Winter
December - MarchDuring heavy snowstorms, avoid placing your carts directly in the street where they may be hit by Village snowplows. Clear a spot at the end of your driveway instead.
Winter
JanuaryThe Village typically coordinates with Waste Management for seasonal Christmas tree collection in early January. Trees must be completely free of ornaments, lights, and plastic tree bags.
About Plainfield Waste Management
Partnering with Waste Management for Seamless Collection
The Village of Plainfield has contracted Waste Management (WM) to provide comprehensive residential refuse, recycling, and seasonal yard waste collection. Each household is equipped with 96-gallon or 64-gallon hinged-lid carts. Because collection truck routing can fluctuate, residents must place all carts and approved extra bags at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day, or the evening prior, ensuring the lids are fully closed to prevent litter.
Accommodating Extra Household Trash
Unlike some municipalities that strictly limit garbage to the provided cart, Plainfield allows residents to dispose of additional household refuse without purchasing special stickers. If your 96-gallon WM cart is full, you may use your own 33-gallon cans or heavy-duty 33-gallon plastic bags for overages. Each extra container or bag must securely hold the waste and weigh no more than 50 pounds to ensure safe manual lifting by the collection crews.
The 'At Your Door' Special Collection Program
Plainfield offers a highly convenient solution for hazardous and difficult-to-dispose-of materials through Waste Management’s 'At Your Door Special Collection.' Instead of waiting for annual county drop-off events, residents can schedule a home pickup for items like old paint, motor oil, pool chemicals, and electronic waste (including TVs and computers). To utilize this service, residents must call (800) 449-7587 or visit the At Your Door website to receive a collection kit.
Navigating Seasonal Yard Waste Rules
Yard waste collection in Plainfield is a seasonal service that activates at the beginning of April and concludes after the second full week of December. Residents must use biodegradable kraft paper bags or rent a specialized yard waste cart directly from WM. For tree trimmings, branches must be tied with natural twine into bundles no larger than four feet in length and weighing less than 50 pounds. Items like sod, dirt, and landscape pavers are strictly prohibited.
Senior Citizen Discount Program
The Village of Plainfield prioritizes affordability for its senior population by offering a discounted refuse hauling rate. To qualify, residents must first be approved for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Exemption through either the Will County or Kendall County Supervisor of Assessments, depending on their residence. Once approved, seniors can submit their documentation to the Village’s Utility Billing Division to have the discount applied to their account.
Drop-off Facilities
Plainfield Public Works Facility
14400 S. Coil Plus Drive, Plainfield, IL 60544
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have more trash than fits in my Plainfield WM cart?
You do not need to buy special stickers for extra everyday household trash. Simply place the overage in your own 33-gallon trash cans or heavy-duty 33-gallon plastic bags, ensuring each weighs no more than 50 pounds, and place them next to your cart.
How do I safely dispose of old paint and electronics in Plainfield?
Plainfield residents have access to Waste Management's 'At Your Door Special Collection' service. You can schedule a home pickup for electronics, televisions, paint, and household chemicals by calling (800) 449-7587.
When does yard waste season start and end in Plainfield, IL?
Yard waste collection begins in April and continues through the second full week of December. During this time, you must use biodegradable kraft bags or a rented WM yard waste cart.
How do I get the senior citizen discount for garbage collection?
Seniors must first qualify for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Exemption through their respective county (Will or Kendall). Once approved, submit the documentation to the Village's Utility Billing Division to apply the discount to your refuse bill.