Services

FAQs About the New Waste and Recycling Program

| Cart Delivery

When can I exchange my waste or recycling cart?

Exchange requests will be accepted starting in mid- to late April and are typically handled on your regular service day.

Requests made by May 31 will not incur a service charge. Call Republic Services at 630.964.3232.

How do I dispose of my old trash cans and recycling bins?

An event will be held on April 11, 2026, in the lot of the Belmont Train Station (5000 Belmont Rd.), from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m, to colllect personal recycling bins and trash cans that are no longer needed. Only plastic bins/cans will be accepted.

After April 1, 2026, cans and bins including the green Village of Downers Grove bins (see photo) can be put out as bulk items with no sticker required. It is recommended that you visibly label the container in some manner to alert the driver, such as Please Take.

| General Questions

Which households does this program apply to?

All single-family homes and some small, multi-family buildings in the Village. The program does not apply to unincorporated properties or larger multi-family buildings.

Will the collection schedule change under the new program?

No.

As a current sticker user, what happens if I don't sign up for carts?

If you do not sign up, you will automatically receive 65-gallon carts for both trash and recycling and will be billed at the standard price.

What if I missed the initial sign up period for carts?

The initial signup period ended February 21.

If you still need to make cart selections or changes, please call Republic Services at 630-964-3232.
Senior Discount forms are still being accepted at Village Hall.

How do I dispose of my old trash cans and recycling bins?

What if I have stickers I no longer need?

Effective April 1, refunds will be issued at $3.50 per sticker. A receipt is required to receive a refund at the original purchase price.

Can I still use a standard 33 gallon size can for yard waste/organics?

Yes. If you do not want a cart from Republic (at no additional charge), customers may still use brown paper yard waste bags OR a 33-gallon sized can, no heavier than 50 pounds in weight when full. Please be sure that the can is clearly labeled YARD WASTE.

Again, there is no additional charge or stickers needed for yard waste/organics, regardless of the method you use.

What can go into the organics/waste cart?

Food Scraps: Fruits and vegetables, eggs/shells, coffee grounds, bread, cereal, rice, pasta, meat, bones, shellfish and seafood.

Yard Waste: Leaves, tree and brush trimmings, grass clippings, flowers, houseplants.

Services

FAQs About the New Waste and Recycling Program

| Cart Delivery

When can I exchange my waste or recycling cart?

How do I dispose of my old trash cans and recycling bins?

| General Questions

Which households does this program apply to?

Will the collection schedule change under the new program?

As a current sticker user, what happens if I don't sign up for carts?

What if I missed the initial sign up period for carts?

How do I dispose of my old trash cans and recycling bins?

What if I have stickers I no longer need?

Can I still use a standard 33 gallon size can for yard waste/organics?

What can go into the organics/waste cart?

| Senior Program

What kind of response should customers expect after submitting docs via email to senior@republicservices.com ?

Will Republic send confirmation that my senior discount request has been received?

| Billing

What are the billing procedures?