Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Quincy
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.
City-issued 96-gallon Tote or Personal Container Bin (Trash)
Loose garbage is not collected; all trash must be bagged. Use the City Tote program or the Garbage Sticker system. Place at the curb by 6:00 AM, at least three feet from other objects.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Animal waste (double bagged)
- ✓Broken glass (in rigid container)
Not applicable (Drop-off system) Bin (Recycling)
Quincy uses a drop-off recycling model. Bring materials to designated city drop-off sites. Those unable to transport can call 217-228-4553 for pickup assistance.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Newspaper and magazines
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastics #1-#7
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hazardous chemicals
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Use biodegradable paper bags (max 40 lbs) or a marked reusable container (must have a 2-inch wide contrasting stripe 12 inches from the top). Branches must be bundled.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Weeds
- ✓Small branches and sticks (bundled)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Not provided by the City
Placement
Do not place bulk items at the curb for City collection. Arrange a specialized pickup with a licensed private vendor like GFL or Republic Services.
Accepted
Not Accepted
- ✕ Mattresses
- ✕ Furniture
- ✕ Large appliances
- ✕ Construction debris
Fees vary based on the private waste hauler or junk removal service you choose to contract for the bulk item removal.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Quincy only halts garbage collection on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. An alternate collection date is announced with the official holiday notice (often pushed by one day).
Yard Waste Exception
Curbside yard waste is collected by Evans Recycling on its normal schedule, even on holidays.
Other major holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day DO NOT disrupt the municipal garbage collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Double Bag Animal Waste
For the safety of the Solid Waste Division workers, all animal waste must be placed inside a sealed plastic bag before being put into your main garbage bag.
Seal Broken Glass and Syringes
Never throw loose broken glass or syringes directly into a trash bag where it could pierce through. You must place these sharp items into a rigid container with a tight-fitting lid before disposing of them in your garbage.
Ditch the Plastic Bags for Yard Waste
Evans Recycling will not accept yard waste placed in plastic bags. You must exclusively use biodegradable Kraft paper bags or properly marked reusable containers.
Seasonal Information
Spring to Fall
March - NovemberCurbside yard waste collection begins mid-March and runs weekly through late fall, provided by Evans Recycling on your normal garbage day.
Winter
December - MarchThe Evans Recycling Yard Waste Disposal Site at 711 West Radio Road reduces its operating hours from mid-December through mid-March, closing entirely on Sundays.
Year-Round
January - DecemberIf you are removing Ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, consult the city's management plan on proper disposal, as infected wood can easily spread the pest.
About Quincy Waste Management
Quincy's Dual Option Garbage System
The City of Quincy allows residents to choose how they manage their trash. You can opt for the flat-rate Garbage Tote Program, which provides a 96-gallon wheeled cart billed at $12.99 monthly on your utility bill. Alternatively, you can utilize the pay-as-you-throw Garbage Sticker system. If you choose the sticker system, you must attach the correct number of blue or red stickers to your garbage bags, and all bags must be placed inside an appropriately sized personal container with a tight-closing lid.
Centralized Drop-Off Recycling
Unlike many municipalities that use standard curbside collection, Quincy streamlines its recycling through designated drop-off sites located throughout the city. This helps reduce operational costs and minimizes contamination. If you are physically unable to transport your recyclables to one of these drop-off centers, the Department of Central Services offers an accommodation service—simply call 217-228-4553 to arrange for City personnel to pick up your sorted materials.
Contracted Yard Waste Services
From mid-March through late fall, Evans Recycling handles all curbside yard waste collection for the City. Residents can place leaves, grass, and small branches in biodegradable paper bags (up to 40 lbs) or marked reusable containers. Cans must feature a two-inch-wide contrasting color stripe exactly 12 inches from the top. Curbside yard waste is conveniently picked up weekly on your regular garbage day, even on holidays.
No Municipal Bulk Pickup
Quincy’s Solid Waste Division strictly collects bagged household garbage. The City does not offer a free or scheduled curbside bulk waste pickup program. If you need to dispose of mattresses, furniture, appliances, or large electronics, you will need to privately contract with an approved vendor like GFL Environmental or Republic Services, or hire a local junk removal company.
Strict Container Rules
To keep Adams County neighborhoods clean, loose garbage is strictly prohibited. Every piece of trash must be securely bagged before going into a tote or personal container. Additionally, your bins must be set at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM the night before collection, with a three-foot clearance from obstacles, and must be wheeled back from the street or alley by 6:00 PM on your service day.
Drop-off Facilities
Evans Recycling Yard Waste Disposal Site
711 West Radio Road, Quincy, IL 62305
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the garbage sticker program work in Quincy?
If you don't use the $12.99/month City Tote program, you must use garbage stickers. Small bags (up to 16 gallons) require $1.50 worth of stickers (2 blue or 1 red). Large bags require $3.00 (4 blue or 2 red). All bags must be placed in a personal container with a tight lid.
Will the City of Quincy pick up my old couch?
No. The City of Quincy Solid Waste Division only collects bagged household garbage. To dispose of a couch, mattress, or appliance, you must hire a private waste hauler like Republic Services, GFL Environmental, or a local junk removal company.
Where can I recycle my cardboard and bottles in Quincy?
Quincy utilizes a drop-off recycling system rather than curbside collection. Residents can take their sorted recyclables to various designated City drop-off sites. If you are physically unable to do so, you can call Central Services at 217-228-4553 to arrange a special pickup.
What are the rules for yard waste containers in Quincy?
You can use biodegradable paper bags (up to 40 lbs) or a reusable garbage can. Reusable cans cannot be 55-gallon drums and MUST be marked with a 2-inch wide stripe in a contrasting color placed exactly 12 inches from the top.