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• - Recycle 100% of your aluminum cans (and other metal) for a year-round fundraiser. Pilsen

• - Will take a variety of appliances for recycling. Full list in the link. Home pickup is available for certain home/kitchen appliances and electronics with fees. Glenview, IL

• - Accepts vacuums, fans, space heaters, coffee makers, shredders, hair curlers, hair dryers, and more! Check their link for more info. Multiple

• Metal Scrappers - Contact one of the metal scrappers listed under “Metal” on this page to inquire about picking up your large appliance for scrap metal. Please note that refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed before being set out in the alley.

• - Accepts coffee brewers under 40 lbs only. Multiple

• - Accepts most auto fluids. Goose Island

Batteries (Alkaline)

Alkaline batteries are not accepted by the HCCRF or most other places that accept other types of batteries. This may be because alkaline batteries are considered non-toxic by the EPA and are deemed “safe” to put in your trash. However, a few local places do take them:

• - Recycles alkaline batteries for $2 per pound at some locations. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn.

• - Individual batteries no larger than 300Wh (convenience fees apply) Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Accepts alkaline batteries. Back of the Yards

• - Accepts single-use alkaline batteries. Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries will not be accepted. Multiple

Batteries (Lithium, Rechargeable)

• - Appears to be a free service, but call to confirm. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn.

• - Individual batteries no larger than 300Wh (convenience fees apply) Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Available at SOME locations - call in advance to check before going. Multiple

• - Hours are limited - be sure to check them before going. Goose Island

• - $2/pound. Check the link for details! North Center, Other

• - Accepts rechargeable batteries under 11lbs and 300Wh. These batteries can be made from lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, or SSLA/Pb. Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries will not be accepted. Multiple

Batteries (all other)

• - Appears to be a free service, but call to confirm. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn.

• - Accepts a wide variety of batteries with individual batteries no larger than 300Wh (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Hours are limited - be sure to check them before going. Goose Island

• - Accepts hard-to-recycle beauty container waste through their Pact program. All containers must be empty and clean. Available at all Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack locations. Multiple

• - Has a beauty Terracycle box. Lincoln Square, Naperville

• - Accepts any beauty + wellness packaging that has been cleaned and emptied. Check the link for the full list of accepted items. Items are recycled into other products, downcycled, or converted to energy. Southport location only

• - Has a beauty Terracycle Box. West Loop

• - Empty containers should be clean, unbagged, and free of liquid. All Ulta Beauty stores have The Beauty Dropoff collection bin to discard hard-to-recycle empties. Find a . Multiple

• - Multiple breweries in Chicago will accept used plastic beer handles for recycling. Locations can be found through the link. Multiple

• - Will donate them to Working Bikes. Check the link for details! North Center, Other

• - Will take books in good, sellable condition only. North Center, Other

• - Accepting any any water filters. Check website for details. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Check the link for details! North Center, Other

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Addison, IL

• - Accepts Car Seats (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Many Target locations collect expired car seats during limited periods during the year. Please check dates with your local Target before bringing your car seat in for recycling. Multiple

• - Accepts Plastic Tricycles, High Chairs, Power Wheels, Strollers, Bubble Cars (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - The best resource for free Christmas tree recycling. Multiple

• - Rolling paper, ash, cigarette filters, all parts of extinguished cigarettes, cigar stubs, outer plastic packaging, inner foil packaging. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Dustpans, empty spray bottles, empty detergent bottles & nozzles, empty cleaning product bottles, lid tops, dryer sheets, brooms, mops, buckets. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

For items that are no longer suitable for donation…

• - By collecting used clothing, shoes, and household items for reuse and recycling, Chicago Textile Recycling diverts over 2.5 million pounds of waste from area landfills annually. Drop-offs are available at:

  • Seward Park - The bin located on W. Hill St, just west of N. Orleans St, behind Seward Park - Cabrini Green

  • CTR Facility - 250 N Mannheim Rd, Hillside, IL 60162

  • CTR Facility - 171 S Gary Ave, Carol Stream, IL 60188

• - Clothing, textiles, and other household items will be reused when possible and recycled if no longer usable. Please make sure items are washed and completely dry before placing them in a plastic bag. All shoes are accepted, backpacks, gloves, office supplies, belts, handbags, purses, computer bags, luggage, tote bags, and wallets. Bedspreads, washcloths, sleeping bags, drapes, blankets, sheets, curtains, shower curtains, small area rugs/floor mats, towels, quilts, and pillows. Full list in the link. South Holland

• - Accepts clothing for recycling through Chicago Textile Recycling. Numerous drop-off locations around the city- see website for all info.

• - There are at least 50 collection points within Lake County. Details within the link. Multiple

• - Accepts textiles that are no longer usable for recycling. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Coffee capsules, pods, K-Cups, packs, or discs. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Accepts Propane, CO2, Isobutane, MAPP (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Drop-off locations can be found in the link. Multiple

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Addison, IL

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Check the link for details. North Center, Other

• - Accepts power cords and charging accessories. Check website for details. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn

• - Accepts computer cables and connectors. Full list in the link. Call in advance to confirm before going. Available at most locations

• - Accepts cables and accessories. Full list in the link. South Holland

• - Guarantees hassle-free recycling services whenever you’re ready to upgrade your outdated technology. Full list of accepted items is at their link. Skokie

• - Accepts computer cables. Full list of accepted items in the link. Serves Chicagoland

• - Will accept cords and charger cables. Full list in the link. North Center, Popup Locations

• - Accepts cables/accessories and other tech equipment. Check out their site for the full list of items. Multiple

• -Accepts wires for small electronics. Bridgeport

• - Accepts electrical ballasts and wires for free. Jefferson Park

• Composting - Natural cork can be composted at home or through some composting services. Check with your service to confirm! Multiple

• - Multiple drop-off locations are available in Chicagoland. Details in the link. Multiple

• - Accepts Balloon Time Helium Recycling (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Accepting toothpaste tubes, toothpaste caps, toothbrushes, toothbrush outer packaging, toothpaste tube outer packaging, and floss containers. Check website for details. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Check the link for details! North Center, Other

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Addison, IL

The following list mainly applies to non-functional electronics. If an item still works properly, please consider these options.

• - Takes a variety of electronics at their Abt Recycling Center. Full list in link. Glenview, IL

• - Accepts tablets, laptops, cell phones, portable tools, power cords, and charging accessories. Check website for details. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn

• - Call in advance to confirm before going. TVs, video equipment, laptops, cell phones, audio equipment, home appliances, and more are accepted. Full list in the link. Multiple

• - Laptops, tablets, desktop PCs, flat screen monitors, cables and accessories, circuit boards/cards, computer mice, computer power supplies, gaming devices, hard drives, keyboards, media speakers, and network devices. Cable set-top box, accessories and cables, stereo equipment, video players, digital cameras, DVD players, video cameras, and game consoles. Full list in the link. South Holland

• -Accepts useful electronics in working order. Call for more info. McKinley Park

• - Guarantees hassle-free secure and efficient recycling services whenever you’re ready to upgrade your outdated technology. Full list of accepted items is at their link above. Skokie

• - Accepts Smoke Detectors & CO Detectors (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Recycles and refurbishes computers and computer-related hardware in any condition. They take laptops, desktops, monitors, keyboards, cell phones, video game consoles, networking equipment, and more. Full list is on their website. Mount Greenwood

• - Hours are limited - be sure to check them before going. TVs, computers, keyboards, printers, VCRs, DVD players, video game consoles, mp3 players, and much more are accepted. Full list in the link. Goose Island

• - Accepts computers, tablets, TVs, game consoles, cameras, monitors, peripherals, and more. Check the link for more info. Multiple

• - Collects most types of electronic equipment, ensuring all information is properly deleted or destroyed. Home pickup is also offered. Full list of accepted items in the link. Serves Chicagoland

• - Will accept some electronics - full list in the link. Check the link for details. North Center, Popup Locations

• - These are a series of drop-off locations around the city that happen once a month, for a few hours each. This flyer is from 2021, and we will update it as soon as the new one comes out. Multiple

• - Accepts Hard Drives, Servers, CDs, Floppy Disks, Thumb Drives, Flat screen TVs, and Computer monitors for secure recycling. Scheduled pickup possible for organizations. Check website for details and fees. Northbrook

• - Accepts a wide variety of electronics, cables/accessories, and other tech equipment. Check out their site for the full list of items. Multiple

• -Accepts small electronics and wires. Bridgeport

• Eyecare Centers - Contact your local eyecare center to check on acceptance policy. Multiple

• - Accepting glasses, sunglasses, swim goggles, ski goggles, safety glasses, and broken spectacles. Check website for details. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - The link has a list of all locations that collect eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club. Multiple

• - Will recycle eyeglasses in working condition through Terracycle. Please note sunglasses or glasses accessories are not accepted. Check the link for details! North Center, Other

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Addison, IL

- Will accept 35 mm size for recycling. Addison, IL

- Offers source-separated glass recycling in your home, apartment, or condo. Open to WasteNot Compost members only. Multiple

• - Will recycle them through Elgin Recycling. Check the link for details. North Center, Other

• - Accepts holiday lights for recycling. Addison, IL

• - Accepts Aerosol Products. (convenience fees apply) Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Accepts a wide variety of toxic chemicals and fuels. See the link for a full list. Goose Island

• - Ink cartridges, toner cartridges. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Accepts ink and toner cartridges. Check the link for more info. Multiple

• - Accepts ink and toner cartridges. Addison, IL

Light Bulbs (Incandescent)

There is no need to safely dispose of these, as no hazardous materials are present. Most places that accept other light bulbs do not accept these, and so far the only place found that recycles them is . North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn

Light Bulbs (Fluorescent, CFL)

• - Will take almost any type of bulb. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn

• - Available at SOME locations - call in advance to check before going. Multiple

• - Hours are limited - be sure to check them before going. Goose Island

• True Value Hardware - Available at SOME locations. Call in advance to confirm. Multiple

• - Accepts fluorescent bulbs and lamps for a fee, as well as electrical ballasts and wires for free. Jefferson Park

• - Curbside mattress removal service. Works with charities and recycling centers to keep mattresses out of landfills. Multiple

• - Will collect and recycle or upcycle your worn-out mattress. Multiple

• - 8-track tapes, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, Blu-ray discs, floppy disks, external hard drives, memory sticks, cassette tapes. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

- Will take X-ray, MRI and lithographic film, as well as used hearing aids. Addison, IL

Please note that flushing medications down the toilet is harmful to our water supply. The following options will safely dispose of your meds without harming the environment.

• - The Chicago Department of Public Health has partnered with the Chicago Police Department to provide you with a place for the safe and proper disposal of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications (for households only). Location information available in the link. Multiple

• - Has permanent collection boxes for medications at four locations. More details available within the link

  • Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago

  • Calumet WRP, 400 E. 130th St., Chicago

  • O’Brien WRP, 3500 Howard St., Skokie

  • Stickney WRP, 6001 W. Pershing Rd., Cicero

• - Select locations will accept unused medication for safe disposal. Multiple

- Will accept like-new, used, or broken items. Addison, IL

The following scrappers can be called for large item pickup:

• Eduardo Galindo 773-454-9197

• Eli Aguilar Metal Scrap Recycling 312-647-5149

• Velez Jr Recycling 773-431-2867

• - Cicero, IL

• - Recycled through Terracycle, in partnership with D'Addario. Strings can be dropped off during business hours at the store. Lincoln Square.

• - Nail Polish and polish remover are accepted. Goose Island

• - Desk organizers, binder clips & fasteners, correction supplies, label backing, paper cutters, card filers, binders, staplers, tape dispensers. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Accepts latex and oil-based paint, which it blends with other high-quality leftover paints and sells at discounted rates. The company is also committed to employing adults with disabilities through its partnership with local organizations. Austin

• - Accepts Latex & Spray paint (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - This pickup service will dispose of your latex paint safely and responsibly. Service is available in most of the Chicagoland area. More details at the link! Multiple

• - Please note - latex paint is NOT accepted, but other paints are taken for free. Hours are limited - be sure to check them before going. Goose Island

• - Paper shredding is available with minimal fee, and you can watch the process to ensure the secure destruction of sensitive information. Check the website for details and fees. Northbrook

• - Tissue paper, gift wrap, straws, ribbons & bows, napkins, storage containers, party decorations, punch bowls, single-use cups & plates, utensils. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Non-woven disposable plastic-based masks (including 3-ply, KN95, N95), latex gloves, nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Accepting flexible multi-layered pet food packaging. Check website for details. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Many locations throughout Chicagoland, available at most locations. Accept pet food bags for recycling through Terracycle boxes. Call in advance to confirm. Multiple

• - Plastic (industrial wrap only). Glenview, IL

• - Accept multiple types of plastic film and bags. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Accepts LDPE (#4) plastics, which are most plastic bags and films. Check the website to confirm. Bridgeport

• - Plastic yarn, or plarn, is used to knit or crochet re-purposed plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats. However, the most eco-friendly choice with plastic bags is to avoid acquiring them as much as possible.

• - Stores including Target, Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, and others have drop-off bins for a variety of plastic films, but you should know that a (2023) showed that the vast majority of these bags are not being recycled. The best choice with plastic bags is to avoid acquiring them at all costs. Multiple

• - Waste Not is able to recycle all plastic films that stretch easily, but not plastic that tears like paper, is shiny, or is crinkly. Multiple

- Will recycle them to be made into wheelchairs for Danielle Cares for Chairs. Addison, IL

• - Accepts Hard Hats (Safety Products) (convenience fees apply) Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Currently accepting HDPE (#2) and PP (#5) plastics for recycling and reuse. Bridgeport

• - Accepts plastic bottle caps. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

- Will take them for reuse or recycling. Addison, IL

- Will take them for recycling for a fee. Addison, IL

• - Training equipment, netting, sports clothing, sports safety equipment, cones, yoga mats, resistance accessories, whistles, bags. By order only. Serves Chicagoland.

• - Styrofoam (white only, food containers and packaging peanuts excluded). Glenview, IL

• - Accepts foam packaging waste from appliances, furniture, TVs and electronics, foam coolers, food service foam (egg cartons, trays, takeout clamshells, cups and plates), and foam packing peanuts. Please remove tape and labels before dropping off, and all foam must be clean, dry, and have no food particles attached. South Holland, IL

• - All locations accept used polystyrene foam, including post-consumer foam cups and "to-go" containers, egg cartons, ice chests, rinsed meat trays, protective packaging foam, and other foam with the #6 inside the chasing arrows triangle. Please note that they DO NOT ACCEPT STYROFOAM PEANUTS. There are two locations in our area:

  • 7575 S Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL (near Midway Airport)
    **At the DART Facility, you can find the container on 76th Street, behind a gate enclosure. Location can vary slightly on the premises.

    310 Evergreen Dr, Aurora, IL

• - Accepted at their storage unit ONLY for a fee. See link above for more information.

• - Accepts Styrofoam (convenience fees apply). Check the link for details. Multiple

• - Styrofoam shipping packaging, Styrofoam food packaging. By Order Only. Serves Chicagoland.

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• - List of Chicagoland sites/businesses that collect used tires for recycling that are found outside of an auto shop. When getting new tires at an auto shop, it is required that the old tires be disposed of responsibly by the shop. Multiple

• - Will recycle them through Terracycle. Addison, IL

- Will recycle wood pallets, cardboard, plastic (industrial wrap only), styrofoam (white only, food containers excluded), home/kitchen appliances, and a variety of electronics. Full list in the link. Note this applies to their Abt Recycling Center and not all Abt locations. Home pickup is available for certain home/kitchen appliances with fees. Glenview, IL

- Will recycle batteries, light bulbs, and a variety of electronics. Full list in the link. Note that this does not apply to all locations - Niles is confirmed, but any others will need to be called first. North Center, Elmwood Park, Niles, and Oak Lawn

(CHaRM) - This is a permanent recycling drop-off facility available to Cook County residents that helps divert millions of pounds of waste and other hard-to-recycle items from regional landfills and water systems. Items accepted include electronics and computers, clothing and textiles, small furniture, small appliances, styrofoam, and personal healthcare equipment. Visit the for a specific list of items accepted. South Holland

- Accepts a wide variety of items, including lithium and rechargeable batteries, fluorescent lights, paint, motor oil, computers, TVs, and much more. The full list is in the link. Goose Island

- Has rotating recycling pop-ups and accept a HUGE variety of items. All details can be found at the link. North Center, Popup Locations

- This organization accepts a HUGE variety of unusual items, including metal jewelry, art supplies, books, holiday lights, CDs and CD cases, inkjet cartridges, bikes parts, eyeglasses, office supplies, and MUCH more. Full list in the link. Addison, IL

- Outdated technology doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. So when it’s time to upgrade your laptops and printers or replace your ink and toner, count on Staples to recycle it responsibly. Staples also accepts an enormous variety of other electronics, some batteries, and some small appliances. Visit the for a specific list of items accepted. Multiple

- The Zero Waste Bag helps you recycle many hard-to-recycle items, and is picked up directly from your home. Recycle up to 24 waste streams, from all plastic packaging to milk and juice cartons, coffee capsules, and more!