Family Owned & Operated Since 1995! | Serving the Chicagoland Area & Northwest Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Tri-State Disposal

Answers to Common Questions About Waste Disposal, Recycling & Garbage Collection

Roll off Dumpsters

Can I place a dumpster on the street?

Yes, but every municipality has its own set of rules. If you plan to place the dumpster in the street or alley, it’s best to check with your local authority before reserving. For example, the City of Chicago allows placement in the street or alley, but requires a right-of-way permit to be obtained by the vendor through CDOT’s web portal. We’ll take care of the permit for you and include it in the total cost. Please note: dumpsters must not block emergency access or obstruct traffic.

Keep all waste below the top edge of the dumpster and avoid overhanging items. Rear doors allow for safer loading. For clean loads of dirt, concrete, brick, or stone, use only 10-yard dumpsters and load them no more than ¾ full.

The standard rental period is 7 days. If you need it longer, just let us know when placing your order.

We recommend placing orders at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day service may be available for areas near Riverdale.

No. We’ll confirm all placement details when you schedule your dumpster, so you don’t need to be on-site.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Payment is due upon delivery unless you’ve established an account. Credit applications can be submitted by fax.

We currently offer 10-, 20-, and 30-yard dumpsters.

Bulk Trash Pickup

How does bulk trash pickup work?

If you’re a residential customer, you can place one bulk item—like a mattress or furniture—next to your trash cart for collection on your regular garbage day. No need to call ahead.

Items that don’t fit in your regular trash bin, such as:

  • Mattresses and box springs
  • Furniture and shelving
  • Small appliances or water heaters
  • Carpet (must be rolled, tied, under 50 lbs, and 4 ft long)

Yes. If you have multiple large items or need service on a non-collection day, contact us. Extra fees may apply.

Residential Trash Pickup & Recycling

What’s included in weekly residential trash pickup?

We provide curbside garbage collection with 96-gallon containers and scheduled pickup days. Place your cart by the curb by 6 a.m. for pickup.

We accept paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass jars, and certain plastics. All items must be empty, clean, and dry. For a complete list, visit our residential recycling page.

No. Electronics (e-waste), paint, oils, pesticides, and other hazardous materials must be taken to approved drop-off sites. Contact us if you're unsure about an item.

Commercial & Industrial Waste Services

Can you haul a customer-owned compactor?

Yes, as long as it meets safety and compatibility requirements. A site inspection is needed before we can quote service.

Yes. We regularly partner with brokers to provide waste and recycling services for businesses and large facilities.

For businesses located in the City of Chicago, you will be required to get a permit for each refuse container. Learn more on the city's website here.

Transfer Station

What should I do when I arrive?

Pull onto the scale and stop at the window. Our team will guide you to the proper area based on your materials. After unloading, return to the scale to be weighed out and pay.

Yes. Open Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Arrive at least 15 minutes before closing (1 hour for hand unloading).

No appointment is needed. We accept general debris, construction waste, tires, and yard waste.

Traffic is heaviest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays.

Yes. We cannot accept hazardous waste, liquids, special waste, or asbestos. Check with the Illinois EPA for proper disposal methods.

No. Each load is weighed and charged separately.

No. Due to Illinois law, electronics must be dropped off at licensed collection sites. Click here for local options.

Waste Tire Disposal

What types of tires do you accept?

We accept car, light truck, and semi-truck tires at our Riverdale transfer station.

Yes. We offer scheduled tire collection and provide storage cages for convenience. Call for details.

Yes, if you have a tire cage. If not, we recommend delivering the tires directly to our transfer station.

Yes. If we haul your tires, we’ll provide a legally required contract. Pickup must occur at least monthly.

Other Questions

Where can I recycle electronics?

Click here for a list of approved e-waste collection locations near you. Always call ahead to confirm hours and accepted items.

Need Help with Trash Pickup or Recycling?

Call us at 708.388.9910 or contact us online. Whether you need weekly garbage service or have questions about bulk pickup or recycling, Tri-State Disposal is here to help.