New Downers Grove Garbage & Recycling Program: What Residents Need to Know Before April 1, 2026
Big changes are coming to trash, recycling, and yard waste collection in Downers Grove, and if you live in a single-family home, or a smaller multi-family building, it’s important to understand what’s changing, when it takes effect, and what action (if any) you need to take. The Village’s new waste and recycling program officially begins April 1, 2026, and while many residents won’t need to do anything, others must sign up by February 14, 2026 to avoid being automatically enrolled. Here’s a clear breakdown of the new program and what it means for Downers Grove residents.
Why Downers Grove Is Changing the Program
The updated program is designed to:
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Improve environmental sustainability
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Make organics and yard waste disposal easier and less expensive
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Simplify bulk item and appliance disposal
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Provide greater flexibility and value, especially for seniors
The Village is partnering with Republic Services to move all eligible households to a cart-based system while eliminating many of the sticker requirements residents are used to.
Important Dates to Know
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February 14, 2026 – Deadline to sign up if you currently use trash stickers
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April 1, 2026 – New program officially begins
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December 2026 – Optional winter organics collection begins (every other week)
Do You Need to Take Action?
You MUST sign up if:
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You currently use trash stickers instead of a cart
If you do not sign up by February 14, you will:
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Automatically receive 65-gallon trash and recycling carts
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Be billed at the standard rate
No action is required if:
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You already have cart service
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You’re satisfied with your current cart size
If you want to change cart sizes or add an organics cart, contact Republic Services at 630-964-3232.
New Cart Sizes & Monthly Costs
Residents are billed quarterly, but pricing is shown monthly below.
| Cart Size | Capacity | Standard Price | Senior Price (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 gallon | 2–3 tall bags | $19.00 | $10.00 |
| 65 gallon | 4–5 tall bags | $24.40 | $13.65 |
| 95 gallon | 7–8 tall bags | $32.00 | $18.20 |
Recycling and organics/yard waste collection are included at no additional cost.
Organics & Yard Waste: What’s New
One of the biggest improvements in the new program is how organics are handled.
What’s changing:
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No stickers required for brown bags or organics carts
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Option to receive an organics cart at no cost
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Food scraps and yard waste can be combined
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Optional winter organics collection begins December 2026
Accepted organics:
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Food scraps (fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, coffee grounds, bread, pasta, etc.)
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Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, branches, flowers, houseplants)
Not accepted:
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Liquids
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Pet waste
Yard waste collection runs April through mid-December, with optional year-round service for cart users.
Recycling Guidelines (No Extra Cost)
Recycling remains included in the program at no additional charge.
Accepted items include:
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Paper, cardboard, magazines, and paper bags
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Glass bottles and jars
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Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
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Plastic containers #1–#7 (except #6)
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Milk and juice cartons
Not accepted:
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Styrofoam or packing foam
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Shredded paper
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Mirrors, Pyrex, or window glass
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Greasy cardboard
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Pots, pans, or hazardous containers
Bulk Items & Appliances: Much Easier Now
Under the new program:
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Up to two bulk items or white goods per week
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No stickers required for those first two items
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Stickers are only needed if you exceed the weekly allowance
Stickers (if needed):
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$3.50 each starting April 1, 2026
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Available at the Civic Center, Ace Hardware, Jewel-Osco, and other local retailers
Old trash cans and recycling bins can be set out as bulk items after April 1, just label them “Dispose of Bin/Can.”
Senior Discount Program
Residents 65 and older may qualify for discounted pricing if they are the primary resident at the address.
How to register:
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Email documentation to [email protected], or
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Visit the Civic Center Finance Window with valid ID
Discounted pricing applies to all cart sizes and includes recycling and organics.
Billing & Collection Basics
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Republic bills quarterly, in advance
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First bills arrive in early April
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Online accounts can be set up once billing begins
Collection rules:
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All materials collected on the same day
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Items must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m.
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Carts must be removed by midnight on collection day
Holiday weeks may shift pickup by one day.
Christmas Tree Collection
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First two full weeks of January
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Trees must be free of lights, decorations, and plastic bags
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Wreaths and garlands go in regular trash
Why This Matters for Homeowners
Municipal changes like this affect:
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Monthly household costs
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Curb appeal and neighborhood cleanliness
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Day-to-day routines for homeowners
We keep a close eye on local updates like these because they’re part of what homeowners consider when living in, or moving to Downers Grove.
If you have questions about how this change affects your household, the Village or Republic Services are the best direct resources.
