New Waste and Recycling Program Starts April 1

January 16, 2026

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The new program requires all households to sign up for cart service by February 14, 2026.

trash cart with black lid, recycling cart with light blue lid and organics cart with green lid

The new Waste and Recycling program with Republic Services begins on April 1 and has several features that improve environmental sustainability and provide greater overall value for Downers Grove households.


Easier and less costly organics (yard waste and food scraps) collection

  1. Stickers no longer required for organics brown bags or cans
  2. Option to select an organics cart at no additional cost
  3. Option to receive winter organics collection at no additional cost (program begins December 2026)

Easier and less costly disposal of bulk items and white goods

  1. Stickers no longer required for up to two bulk items or white goods per week. Stickers will only be required for bags or cans of trash beyond what fits in the cart.

Senior discount pricing

Ability to temporarily suspend service

The new program requires all households to sign up for cart service and choose trash and recycling cart sizes.

Sign Up By February 14, 2026!

You must sign up for cart service by February 14, 2026, to ensure carts are delivered by April 1. 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


If you already have cart service and do not want to make any changes and don’t qualify for the senior discount, no action is required.

How was the new program selected?  

The program was developed over a period of six months and included six Village Council meetings. The process began with the release of a competitive Request for Proposal, to which five qualified companies responded. It culminated with Village Council approval of a 6-year contract with Republic Services. More information about those meetings and the process can be found below:

  1. Village Council Meeting May 20, 2025 - First Reading (MOT 2025-10789)
  2. Village Council Meeting June 3, 2025 - Active Agenda ( MOT 2025-10789)
  3. Village Council Meeting Sept. 9, 2025 - First Reading (MOT 2025-10899)
  4. Village Council Meeting Sept. 16, 2025 - Active Agenda (MOT 2025-10899)
  5. Village Council Meeting October 14, 2025 - First Reading (RES 2025-10953)
  6. Village Council Meeting Nov. 4, 2025 - Active Agenda (RES 2025-10953)


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