Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Springfield
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.
Varies by Hauler Bin (Trash)
Trash must be bagged and placed in the cart provided by your chosen private hauler. Bins should be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day, as routes can start early.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Small broken household items
Varies by Hauler Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the recycling cart. Do not bag recyclables in plastic bags. Flatten all cardboard boxes to save space.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass jars and bottles
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Food-soiled cardboard (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in 33-gallon brown paper yard bags or rigid plastic cans (up to 34 gallons and 60 lbs) prominently labeled 'Yard Waste'. Do not use plastic grocery bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Garden debris
- ✓Small twigs (pencil thickness or smaller)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Up to 6 items per year
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on your approved scheduled pickup date arranged through Habitat for Humanity.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and chairs
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Dressers and desks
- ✓ Large appliances (washers, dryers, stoves)
- ✓ Water heaters
Not Accepted
- ✕ Televisions and electronics
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Central AC units
- ✕ Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
- ✕ Remodeling and construction debris
- ✕ Railroad ties
The pickup is free for residents who pay the Public Works Waste & recycling fee on their utility bill. You must call 217-523-2710 or use the online portal to book.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because haulers are private, holiday schedules can slightly vary, but most delay service by one day if a major holiday falls on or before your normal collection day.
Yard Waste Exception
City-run programs, including yard waste and branch pickup, follow the official City of Springfield holiday closure calendar.
Always confirm specific holiday delays directly with your chosen private waste hauler (e.g., Lake Area Disposal, Republic Services, or WM).
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Isolate Sweet Gum Balls and Fruit
If you are raking up a pile consisting entirely of sweet gum sticky balls, fallen fruit, or nuts with no leaves or grass mixed in, the city dictates these must go into your regular household trash, not the yard waste bags.
Keep Branches Off the Boulevard
During the city's quarterly branch pickup, limbs must be placed on the grass between your sidewalk and the curb. Placing brush on the center street boulevard is a violation of city code and may result in a fine.
No Plastic Bags in Yard Waste
Never use plastic trash bags or small paper grocery bags for your yard clippings. The city's yard waste crews will simply leave them at the curb. Only use official 33-gallon compostable lawn bags or dedicated reusable cans.
Seasonal Information
Summer
July - AugustDuring periods of extreme heat and high humidity, the City of Springfield often allows waste haulers to begin collection routes as early as 5:00 AM to protect worker safety. Residents should place bins out the night before during heatwaves.
Winter
JanuaryThe Public Works Department collects discarded live Christmas trees during the January quadrant branch pickup. Trees must be completely stripped of lights, ornaments, and tinsel, and placed curbside unbagged.
Spring to Fall
April - DecemberThe city's specialized branch collection occurs four times a year. You do not need to call to schedule this; simply check the city's quadrant map and have your branches out by 7:00 AM on the Monday of your area's assigned week.
About Springfield Waste Management
Navigating Springfield's Open Market Hauler System
Unlike cities that contract a single garbage provider for all residents, Springfield operates on an open market subscription system. Homeowners and property managers within city limits must independently hire a licensed private hauler, such as Lake Area Disposal, Republic Services, or Waste Management, for their standard weekly trash and recycling collection. Because of this, collection days, cart sizes, and monthly rates will vary depending on your neighborhood and the specific hauler you choose.
City-Managed Yard Waste Program
While standard trash is handled privately, the City of Springfield directly manages residential yard waste collection. This service is funded by the 'Public Works Waste & Recycling' fee applied to your monthly CWLP (City Water, Light and Power) utility bill. Residents do not need to buy individual yard waste stickers as long as they place their leaves and grass clippings between the sidewalk and the curb in approved 33-gallon brown paper bags or clearly marked 34-gallon rigid containers.
Unique Large Item Disposal via Habitat for Humanity
Springfield and Sangamon County have developed a highly unique and sustainable partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County for bulk waste. Eligible residents paying the public works fee can schedule free large item pickups directly through the Habitat ReStore. This initiative diverts usable furniture and appliances away from local landfills to support affordable housing construction, while responsibly recycling unusable bulk items.
Quarterly Curbside Branch and Brush Pickup
In addition to standard yard waste, the Springfield Public Works Department conducts a dedicated branch collection program four times per year. The city is divided into Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast quadrants, with specific weeks assigned to each area. Residents must have their branches stacked between the sidewalk and the curb by 7:00 AM on the Monday of their designated week, avoiding the center street boulevard to prevent code violations.
Drop-off Facilities
Habitat for Humanity ReStore & Donation Center
2744 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703
Materials Accepted
Springfield Transfer Station (WM)
3000 E. Ash St., Springfield, IL 62703
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start garbage service in Springfield, Illinois?
Springfield uses an open market system for household trash. You must contact and hire a licensed private waste hauler, such as Lake Area Disposal, Republic Services, or Waste Management, to establish your weekly curbside garbage and recycling service.
How do I get rid of an old mattress or couch in Springfield?
Sangamon County and the City of Springfield partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide large item pickups. If you pay the Public Works fee on your CWLP bill, you are eligible for up to 6 free large item pickups per year. You must call 217-523-2710 or book online in advance.
When does the city pick up tree branches?
The Springfield Public Works Department collects branches four times a year. The schedule is based on city quadrants (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast). You must have your branches placed between the sidewalk and curb by 7:00 AM on the Monday of your area's assigned collection week.
Can I put my grass clippings in my regular trash bin?
No. Illinois law prohibits yard waste in landfills. In Springfield, yard waste must be placed in 33-gallon brown paper compost bags or clearly labeled 34-gallon reusable cans, which are collected by city crews for composting.