Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Zion
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-approved 95-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
Must be placed at the curb by 5:00 A.M. on collection day. Carts must have tight-fitting covers and be constructed of rodent-proof material.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and wrappers
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Small broken household items
City-issued recycling bin or cart Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected on the same day as trash by 5:00 A.M. Do not bag recyclables in plastic. Paper products should be placed in paper bags or at the bottom of the bin to prevent blowing.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and paperboard
- ✓Flattened cardboard (cut to 2'x2')
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Paper that has come into contact with food
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Use kraft paper bags or a 32-gallon plastic/metal can clearly marked 'Yard Waste' with drainage holes punched in the sides and bottom. Branches must be tied with biodegradable string (max 4 ft long, 18 in diameter, 50 lbs).
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Weeds and garden plants
- ✓Tree branches and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly alongside regular refuse
Placement
Place bulk items at the curb by 5:00 A.M. Do not put out an excessive amount at once; items must be of reasonable height and weight for one person to lift.
Accepted
- ✓ Discarded furniture (chairs, small tables, couches)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpeting (max 4 ft length, max 50 lbs)
- ✓ Small amounts of DIY domestic debris (homeowner only)
- ✓ Mattresses
Not Accepted
- ✕ Contractor-generated construction debris
- ✕ Electronics and televisions
- ✕ Hazardous household waste
- ✕ White goods/appliances (requires separate scheduled pickup)
Standard furniture is free. Appliances (white goods) require scheduling with WM and a fee of $45 (Freon) or $25 (Non-Freon). Massive City Clean-Ups for large debris cost $500 per 5-cubic-yard load.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on or before your regularly scheduled collection day, services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that holiday week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule during the active April-November collection season.
If the holiday falls on a weekend, collection schedules generally remain unaffected. Always verify delays with Waste Management at 847-623-3870.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Punch Drainage Holes in Yard Waste Cans
If you choose to use a personal 32-gallon plastic or metal garbage can for your yard waste instead of paper bags, Zion Public Works requires you to punch holes in the sides and bottom of the can to allow for proper water drainage.
Cut Down Corrugated Cardboard
To ensure material processing is efficient, all cardboard boxes must be completely flattened and cut down into pieces no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet before being placed in the recycling bin.
Do Not Bundle Your Paper
While branches and brush must be bundled, you should never bundle your recyclable paper with string or tape. Simply place loose paper products at the bottom of your recycling bin or inside a brown paper bag.
Seasonal Information
Spring to Fall
April 1 - November 30Curbside collection for landscape and yard waste officially operates from April 1 to November 30. Grass clippings, leaves, and bundled brush are collected on your regular garbage day during these months.
Winter
December 26 - January 20The City of Zion provides a special collection period for natural Christmas trees from December 26 through January 20. Ensure all tinsel, ornaments, and plastic bags are removed before setting the tree at the curb.
Autumn
October - NovemberDuring peak leaf-fall, it is strictly prohibited to rake or blow yard waste into the street. Loose leaves clog Zion's storm drains and cause localized street flooding. All leaves must be bagged or canned.
About Zion Waste Management
Zion's Integrated Refuse and Utility Billing
The City of Zion has partnered with Waste Management Services for its residential trash, recycling, and yard waste collection. Unlike communities where residents set up independent hauler accounts, Zion manages the waste collection billing internally. Residents are billed quarterly for solid waste services directly on their municipal water and sewer bill. New residents must contact City Hall to establish this service and secure their initial 95-gallon refuse cart.
Strict Requirements for Construction and Demolition Debris
The City of Zion strictly regulates construction and demolition (C&D) debris to preserve Lake County landfill space. Under Ordinance 74-82, large renovation projects must divert at least 75% of debris from landfills. For small, homeowner-performed DIY projects, the Public Works Department may collect minor debris. However, if a contractor is hired, they are strictly prohibited from using curbside city services and must haul away their own waste or rent a commercial dumpster.
Navigating Yard Waste and the Ban on Burning
In compliance with Illinois state law banning landscape waste from landfills, Zion directs all organic debris to regional composting sites. Collection runs from April 1st through November 30th. Notably, the Zion Fire Department actively enforces a strict 'No Burning' ordinance; burning leaves, branches, or trash is illegal within city limits. Homeowners must use biodegradable kraft bags or properly modified 32-gallon cans to dispose of their yard waste at the curb.
Guidelines for Bulk Items and Single-Driver Trucks
Disposing of heavy household goods in Zion is included with regular weekly refuse collection, but it requires mindful preparation. Because Waste Management trucks in Zion generally operate with a single driver, residents are instructed to place large items out a little at a time rather than clearing out an entire house in one day. Items must be of a reasonable height and weight for one person to lift. Carpeting is accepted but must be cut, rolled, and bundled into manageable lengths.
Electronic Waste and SWALCO Partnerships
Zion is a proud member of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO). Because electronic waste and household hazardous materials (like paint, pesticides, and motor oil) are banned from standard garbage carts, the city heavily relies on SWALCO's regional drop-off events. Residents are encouraged to utilize these designated Lake County facilities and events to safely dispose of toxic chemicals and e-waste, preventing groundwater contamination.
Drop-off Facilities
SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) Drop-off Events
Varies (Check SWALCO.org for upcoming Lake County event locations)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up garbage service and billing in Zion?
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection is managed by Waste Management, but billing is handled by the city. You must contact Zion City Hall to arrange for billing and to obtain your 95-gallon garbage container. You will be billed quarterly on your municipal water and sewer bill.
Can I burn my yard waste or leaves in the fall?
No. By city ordinance, there is absolutely no burning allowed anywhere within the City of Zion. All yard waste must be properly placed in kraft paper bags or marked 32-gallon cans for curbside composting collection.
How do I throw away an old refrigerator or air conditioner?
Large appliances, known as white goods, are not collected with standard weekly bulk trash. You must call Waste Management Services at 847-623-3870 to schedule a special appliance pickup. There is a fee of $45 for items containing Freon and $25 for non-Freon items.
What are the rules for getting rid of old carpeting?
You can dispose of old carpeting with your regular trash, provided you prepare it correctly for the single-driver trucks. The carpet must be cut, rolled, and securely tied into bundles that are no more than four feet in length and weigh no more than 50 pounds.