Chicago doesn't run a landfill. Most dumpster loads from the city go to private transfer stations and recycling centers, which sort the debris and send what's left to landfills in the region. The facility depends on your address and what's in the container.
Recycling is part of the process for many jobs. The City's construction debris recycling rules require contractors on covered projects to recycle at least half of the recyclable debris and file a compliance form with the Department of Public Health at the end of the job. Bricks, concrete, lumber, drywall, metal, and shingles all count.
Items that can't go in your dumpster have a City home. The Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility, at 1150 N. North Branch Street, Chicago, IL 60642, takes household cleaners, oil-based paint, solvents, used motor oil, and old computers. It's open Tuesday, 7 a.m. to noon, Thursday, 2 to 7 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It doesn't take latex paint or business waste.
Your account manager will confirm where your load is headed and whether your project needs recycling paperwork.