Des Plaines Junk Removal Services

Our Junk Removal Process

Contact Des Plaines's Department of Public Works for Bulk Item Disposal & Transfer Station Requirements

Des Plaines residents rely on the Department of Public Works for comprehensive waste management, including access to the city’s Transfer Station and bulk item collection programs. The Transfer Station, located at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road, operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with seasonal Saturday hours for special events. Residents must present proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, and may need a permit or sticker for certain disposals. Accepted materials include household trash, recyclables, yard waste (seasonally), and select bulk items, while hazardous waste, electronics, tires, and construction debris are prohibited. Fees vary by item type and volume, with special rates for appliances and large loads. Bulk item collection is typically appointment-based, requiring advance scheduling and proper item preparation, such as mattress wrapping or appliance certification. Special collection events for electronics, textiles, and scrap metal are held throughout the year. For detailed requirements and scheduling, contact:

Des Plaines Department of Public Works
1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5464
Official Website: Public Works and Engineering Department

Understanding Illinois Waste Regulations & Des Plaines's Recycling Requirements for Junk Removal

Junk removal in Des Plaines is governed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois EPA guidelines, which mandate strict separation and handling of waste streams. Residents must separate recyclables—cardboard, metals, plastics, glass, and textiles—from general refuse. Electronics, including TVs and computers, are banned from landfills and must be recycled through certified programs under the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act. Appliances containing refrigerants require certified removal before disposal, and tires must be taken to approved facilities. Construction debris, such as concrete and clean wood, must be sorted and delivered to licensed recyclers. Des Plaines enforces these requirements through its collection programs, Transfer Station policies, and periodic special events. Compliance ensures environmental protection and avoids penalties. For more on state regulations and local implementation, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Des Plaines Board of Health Guidelines for Safe & Sanitary Junk Removal Operations

The Des Plaines Board of Health, in coordination with the Cook County Department of Public Health, oversees sanitation standards for junk removal to protect public health. Improper storage or disposal of junk can attract rodents and insects, create unsanitary conditions, and pose injury risks from sharp or unstable materials. Residents must stage items for curbside collection no more than 24-48 hours before scheduled pickup, ensuring materials are covered to prevent water accumulation and securely contained to avoid scattering. Standing water in discarded items should be eliminated to prevent mosquito breeding. Illegal dumping is strictly prohibited and should be reported to Code Enforcement for prompt investigation. For health and sanitation concerns, contact:

Des Plaines Board of Health
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: City of Des Plaines Official Website

Hazardous Waste & Electronics Disposal Regulations in Des Plaines

Proper identification and disposal of hazardous waste are critical for community safety and environmental protection. Common household hazardous wastes include paints, solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids, cleaning chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and propane tanks. These materials are strictly prohibited from regular trash, curbside bulk pickup, and the Transfer Station. Des Plaines participates in regional household hazardous waste collection events and partners with county facilities for safe disposal. Residents must keep hazardous items in original containers, label them clearly, and never mix different chemicals. Universal waste, such as batteries and mercury-containing devices, requires specialized handling and documentation under Illinois EPA rules. Electronics must be recycled through certified programs, with documentation as required. For hazardous waste guidelines, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Des Plaines Building Department Requirements for Construction & Demolition Debris

Construction and demolition debris management in Des Plaines is regulated by the Building Department, which requires permits for major cleanouts, renovations, and structural demolitions. Contractors and property owners must separate materials such as concrete, brick, metal, and clean wood for recycling, and provide documentation from certified disposal facilities. Hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead paint, require assessment and abatement by licensed professionals. Dumpster placement in public rights-of-way needs a temporary obstruction permit, and all waste haulers must be licensed. Compliance with Illinois EPA regulations and local ordinances is mandatory. For permit applications, debris management plans, and contractor licensing, contact:

Des Plaines Building Department
1420 Miner Street, 2nd Floor
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Building Division & Permits

Protecting Des Plaines's Environment Through Proper Waste Stream Management & Illegal Dumping Prevention

Improper junk disposal threatens Des Plaines’s rivers, creeks, wetlands, and conservation areas, risking water pollution and habitat degradation. The city enforces strict penalties for illegal dumping under local ordinances and state law, with remediation costs and liability for violators. Residents and contractors must prevent debris from entering storm drains, especially near the Des Plaines River and local wetlands, in compliance with the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES stormwater regulations. Large-scale cleanouts require erosion control and proper wash water management. Disposal activities near sensitive habitats must coordinate with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. To report illegal dumping or environmental violations, contact:

Des Plaines Code Enforcement
1420 Miner Street, 2nd Floor
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5520
Official Website: Code Enforcement

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Des Plaines, IL?

Des Plaines encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique junk removal challenges and regulatory considerations:

• Downtown Des Plaines: Features historic homes and multi-family buildings, requiring lead/asbestos awareness and shared disposal logistics. Urban density and narrow alleys necessitate careful scheduling and smaller equipment.
• Cumberland Area: Suburban homes with larger lots generate more yard waste and bulk items, with easier front access but higher volumes during seasonal cleanups.
• River Road Corridor: Proximity to the Des Plaines River and floodplain areas demands strict environmental compliance and stormwater protection during removals.
• Craig Manor and Oakton: Bungalow districts with older housing stock often require basement and attic cleanouts, and may face access limitations due to mature trees and overhead wires.
• Ballard/Algonquin Area: Senior communities and estate cleanouts are common, with special attention to accessibility and sensitive item handling.
• Southwest Industrial District: Commercial and industrial properties generate mixed waste streams and require compliance with specialized disposal regulations.
• Northwest Gentrifying Areas: High renovation activity produces construction debris, necessitating coordination with the Building Department for permits and proper recycling.

Collection schedules, Transfer Station access, and fee structures may vary by neighborhood, so residents should consult the Department of Public Works for area-specific guidance.

Des Plaines Municipal Ordinances for Commercial Junk Removal Operations & Equipment Use

Commercial junk removal in Des Plaines is regulated to ensure public safety, minimize disruption, and protect the environment. Service providers must obtain proper business licenses, maintain insurance and bonding, and comply with right-of-way permit requirements for large-scale operations. Equipment operation is restricted to designated hours to limit noise and traffic impacts, with additional rules for work near schools or residential areas. All commercial haulers must use licensed disposal facilities and provide documentation of proper waste handling. Large dumpsters or roll-off containers placed on public property require permits from the Department of Public Works. For ordinance details and permit applications, contact:

Des Plaines Department of Public Works
1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5464
Official Website: Public Works and Engineering Department

By following these comprehensive municipal, state, and federal guidelines, Des Plaines residents and businesses can ensure safe, legal, and environmentally responsible junk removal, supporting public health and the community’s long-term sustainability.