Chicago Bulk Waste Disposal Guide
From furniture to appliances, learn about the bulk waste disposal options available to you in Chicago.
Chicago’s commitment to sustainability and landfill diversion means there are a variety of ways to get rid of bulky items in the area. Our disposal guide takes you through the proper way to dispose of common materials in the Chicagoland area, including furniture, appliances, electronic waste and construction and demolition debris.
Use the buttons to jump to a specific Chicago disposal option:
How to Get Rid of 5 Common Items in Chicago
Find out how to get rid of items like furniture, appliances, electronics or construction and demolition debris in the Windy City.
How Do I Dispose of Furniture in the Second City?
You can dispose of furniture in Chicago, like couches, recliners, tables and more, using the city’s free bulky item curbside pickup service, donating to a local charity or throwing out in a dumpster rental.
Furniture is accepted at local Chicago charities like the Chicago Furniture Bank, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill of Greater Chicago and the Salvation Army. Chicago recycling facilities do not accept furniture.
How Do I Dispose of Appliances in Chicago?
You can dispose of appliances in Chicago, like refrigerators, freezers and ovens, using the city’s free bulky item curbside pickup service, donating to a local charity or throwing out in a dumpster rental.
When tossing appliances curbside, make sure to remove refrigerator and freezer doors first. Appliances are accepted at local Chicago charities like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Chicago, the Salvation Army and Goodwill of Greater Chicago. You can also recycle small appliances (excluding those with refrigerants) at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in South Holland.
How Do I Get Rid of Electronic Waste in Chi-Town?
You must bring electronic waste, or e-waste, in Chicago, including TVs, computers and cellphones, to a recycling center, such as CHaRM, Lakeshore Recycling Systems Chicago Transfer Station in McKinley Park or Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF).
You cannot dispose of e-waste by using the city’s free bulky item curbside pickup service, throwing it out in a dumpster rental or bringing it to a landfill.
How Do I Dispose of Fixtures in Chicago?
You can dispose of fixtures in Chicago, like bathtubs and toilets, using the city’s free bulky item curbside pickup service, donating to a local charity, bringing to a recycling center or throwing out in a dumpster rental.
If you choose to donate your fixtures, you can bring them to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Chicago, but they must be in good condition and free of stains and odors. If your fixtures are made out of plastic or metal, you may be able to bring them to the CHaRM recycling center.
How do I Get Rid of Construction and Demolition Waste in Chicago?
You can dispose of construction and demolition waste in Chicago, like dirt, concrete and rocks, in a dumpster rental or at the Lakeshore Recycling Systems Chicago Transfer Station.
If you plan to rent a dumpster for your dirt, concrete or rocks, you’ll need to use a 10 yard roll off dumpster. It’s important to note that the Lakeshore Recycling Systems Chicago Transfer Station may not accept dirt. Make sure to follow the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines when tossing construction and demolition waste.
What Are Disposal Options for Bulk Waste in Chicago?
Bulk disposal options in Chicago include bulk pickup service or taking items to a donation facility or recycling center. You can also rent a dumpster to easily dispose of bulk waste.
1. City-Provided Curbside Pickup
Residents serviced by the City of Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation can request a free bulky item pickup by:
- Calling 311 or (312) 744-5000
- Using the CHI 311 mobile app
- Submitting a request online via the City of Chicago's 311 Service Request portal
Accepted Items:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Mattresses and box springs
Prohibited Items:
- Electronics
- Hazardous waste
- Construction debris
2. Local Donation Centers
Looking to give your unwanted items a second life? Explore the following Chicagoland donation centers to see which facility is the best fit for your bulk items.
- Drop-off locations:
- ReStore Chicago North: 6040 N Pulaski Rd
- ReStore Chicago South: 6057 S Western Ave
- Accepted items:
- Gently used furniture
- Appliances
- Building materials
- Pickup service:
- Free pickups available for qualifying items.
- Note: Items must be in good condition; certain items like mattresses and sleeper sofas are not accepted.
3. Chicagoland Recycling & Diversion Centers
Not all bulk waste has to be thrown in the trash. Learn about recycling facilities near you to see how your waste can avoid the landfill.
The CHaRM Center, a collaboration between Cook County and South Suburban College, provides a permanent drop-off facility for items that are difficult to recycle through regular curbside programs.
- Location:
- 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
- Hours:
- Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Thursdays: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Second & fourth Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (TVs accepted during Saturday hours only)
- Accepted Materials Include:
- Electronics (e.g., laptops, tablets, cables)
- Household hazardous waste (e.g., paints, chemicals)
- Textiles and clothing
- Small appliances (excluding those with refrigerants)
- Plastics, metals, and more
- Restrictions:
- No commercial or industrial waste
- Illegal dumping is prohibited and subject to fines
4. Rent a Dumpster in Chicago
For a convenient disposal option, consider ordering a roll off dumpster. Rent one or multiple bins, and we’ll deliver them straight to your driveway or jobsite. Once you finish loading your materials, we’ll haul everything away ASAP.
- 10 cubic yards: Great for small cleanouts or light remodeling projects.
- 12 cubic yards: Ideal for minor home renovations and decluttering jobs.
- 15 cubic yards: Perfect for midsized cleanouts and yard debris removal.
- 20 cubic yards: A popular choice for home remodeling and bulky items.
- 30 cubic yards: Best for major renovations, large cleanouts or estate projects.
Chicago Landfills & Transfer Stations
Find the closest landfill or transfer station to you to toss your municipal solid waste, construction and demolition (C&D) debris, hazardous waste or e-waste.
Name & Location | Accepted Waste Types | Area Served | Operator | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
River Bend Prairie Landfill 801 E 138th Street, Riverdale, IL 60827 | Municipal solid waste | Southern Cook County | Land & Lakes Company | Nearing closure; only active landfill in Cook County as of 2012 |
Prairie View Recycling & Disposal Facility | Municipal solid waste | Northeastern Illinois and parts of Indiana | Waste Management | Major regional capacity; accepts municipal waste |
Laraway Recycling & Disposal Facility 21101 W Laraway Road, Elwood, IL 60421 | C&D, Municipal solid waste | Will County and surrounding areas, including parts of Indiana | Republic Services | Accepts construction and demolition debris |
Melrose Park Transfer Station | Transfer Station | Western suburbs of Chicago, including Melrose Park | Onyx Waste Services Midwest, Inc. | Allows public self-dumping |
TAZ Disposal | Transfer Station | Chicagoland area | TAZ Disposal | Charges based on weight; accepts bulk drop-offs |
Chicago Metro Transfer Station | Transfer Station | City of Chicago | Waste Management | Accepts municipal and recyclable waste |
Calumet Transfer Station | C&D Transfer Station | Chicago's South Side and southern suburbs | Allied Waste Services | Accepts debris, metals and more |
Loop Transfer Station | C&D Transfer Station | Downtown Chicago | Allied Waste Services | Handles construction materials |
Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF) | Hazardous & E-Waste | City of Chicago | City of Chicago | Accepts HHW and electronics on select days |
Make Bulk Waste Disposal in Chicago Easy
Whether you’re clearing out your basement in Bridgeport, remodeling a home in Lincoln Park or managing debris on a South Side jobsite, Chicago offers a variety of disposal options to match your needs. From curbside pickup to donation centers and recycling hubs, you can choose the method that fits your project — and your values.
Need a fast, reliable way to get rid of it all in one go? Check your price online and rent a dumpster in Chicago today.