Useful Information

Don't forget to update your phone number with Waste Management -- you may not be receiving important information! Automatic calls are sent out when there is a change in collection days because of holidays, and for other urgent messages. Make sure Waste Management has the right phone number for you so you don't miss out. Also, if you have arranged to make automatic payments to Waste Management with a credit card, be sure to check its expiration date to avoid interruption of your service.

There is no limit on the amount of garbage you may leave out for pick-up on your designated day. Certain rules apply: All garbage must be in cans or bags. The maximum can or bag size is 32 gallons, weighing up to 50 pounds. Maximum bundle size is 4 feet in length by 2 feet in diameter, weighing up to 50 pounds.

CFL's contain mercury and cannot be discarded in your regular trash. CFL’s and fluorescent tube lights can be recycled through Kane County’s Hazardous Waste Program (click here for details). Used, unbroken bulbs can be brought at any time to the following local stores, as well as to other retail outlets, check individual location: Home Depot (all stores), Ace Hardware on Randall Road in South Elgin, Menard’s on Randall Road in Batavia.

Both the St. Charles and Geneva Police Departments now collect prescription drugs for safe and environmentally responsible disposal. Self-contained, secure disposal units are located in the lobbies of each station and are available during business hours in St. Charles and 24 hours a day in Geneva. All prescription pill and liquid medications in original containers are accepted. It is recommended that labels and personal information be removed or defaced. (Important! No illegal drugs, needles, sharps or syringes are accepted. For information on safe disposal of needles and sharps, see below.)

The St. Charles Police Station is located at 211 North Riverside Ave. (formerly known as First Ave.) two blocks north of Route 64. The Geneva Police Department is located at 20 Police Plaza, one block south of Route 38; turn east off Route 31 onto James Street.

Alternatively, you can bring unused and expired drugs to the hazardous waste facility in Naperville. For more information about household hazardous waste, click here.

For safe disposal of needles and sharps, Waste Management provides a home collection receptacle program. Call them at 800-796-9696 for more information.

One bulk item, such as a sofa, mattress, or kitchen table, will be collected per week if set out on collection day.

What are “White Goods?”

White goods got their name back in the days when all major appliances came only in white – not black, stainless, harvest gold or anything else. The definition of white goods has come to include any large installed appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, air conditioners, humidifiers, washers and dryers, etc. White goods require special handling because they are banned from landfill disposal. A separate truck must be dispatched for these, so pick-up may not be on your regular weekly schedule.

There is a separate fee for picking up these items. Call Waste Management at 800-796-9696 for more information or to arrange a pick-up date.

Cleaning out your closet?:

There are many agencies that will be happy to accept donations of serviceable used clothing and household goods. Some will pick up items right at your front door. Each has specific guidelines for what they will accept. Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and Purple Heart are just a few; contact them directly for more information. Donations are generally tax-deductible, check individual organizations for details.

Styrofoam Packing Peanuts:

Styrofoam packing peanuts are accepted for free recycling at the UPS Store located at 902 South Randall Road, across from Meijer’s Supermarket just south of Route 38. Most other UPS stores accept these as well, check individual locations.