Rockford, Illinois ensures efficient garbage collection for its residents through a structured program managed in partnership with Rock River Disposal. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about residential garbage services, from container guidelines to collection schedules, ensuring a smooth and convenient waste disposal experience.
Every Rockford residence, unless explicitly exempt, benefits from weekly garbage collection services provided by the city. Since early 2024, the City of Rockford has standardized garbage collection by distributing 95-gallon carts to each household. These city-issued carts are designed to be the primary containers for your weekly waste. While residents can place out any amount of garbage, it’s required to be properly contained within these 95-gallon carts.
For instances where you have extra garbage exceeding the capacity of the 95-gallon cart, residents are permitted to use standard personal garbage cans. These supplementary cans should not exceed a 32-gallon capacity and must have secure lids. For safety and handling, each of these additional cans should weigh no more than 50 pounds when full. This system accommodates varying household waste volumes while maintaining efficient collection.
Rock River Disposal also handles bulk items that are too large for regular garbage cans. Certain restrictions apply to bulk item collection, so it’s advisable to check the city guidelines to ensure proper disposal of larger waste items.
Recognizing the diverse needs of its residents, Rockford offers accommodations for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Residents aged 62 and older, or those living with a disability who find it difficult to manage a 95-gallon cart, can apply to exchange it for a smaller, 65-gallon cart at no extra charge. To initiate this exchange, eligible residents need to complete an application available on the City of Rockford website.
Applications are reviewed and approved by the City of Rockford Customer Service Center. Once approved, Rock River Disposal is notified and will arrange the cart exchange. You can find the application here. Completed applications should be submitted to Customer Service via email at [email protected], or by mail or in person at: City of Rockford Customer Service Department, 1st Floor, 425 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61104.
Each residential unit is allocated a single truck hopper, roughly equivalent to 3 cubic yards, for weekly garbage collection without surcharge. Exceeding this volume will result in a bulk refuse surcharge as detailed in the City’s Fee Schedule. It’s not necessary to pre-arrange collection for large quantities within this limit. However, certain materials are not accepted for regular garbage collection. These include building and remodeling materials, televisions/monitors, car parts, oil, tires, liquids, and hazardous waste. For safe disposal of items like oil, hazardous waste, and certain electronics, Rockford residents can utilize the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility free of charge.
City ordinances, specifically Chapter 25 of Rockford’s General Ordinance, dictate proper garbage storage and placement. Garbage cans and bags should be kept in an inconspicuous location, generally out of sight from the street. For collection, garbage should be placed out no earlier than 3:00 p.m. the day before collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Empty garbage cans must be returned to their storage location by 8:00 a.m. the day after collection.
Normal garbage collection days in Rockford are scheduled from Monday to Thursday. New residents can easily determine their collection day by entering their address into the Garbage Boundary Map or using the Waste Wizard tool. Collection schedules are adjusted for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If your collection day falls on or after one of these holidays, collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
For any issues with your garbage service, including missed pick-ups, please contact Rock River Disposal directly at 815-965-2489 or via email at [email protected]. For further assistance from the City of Rockford, contact the Customer Service Division at 779-348-7300 or email [email protected]. Rock River Disposal and the City of Rockford are committed to providing reliable and efficient residential garbage services to the community.
