Disposing of hard-to-handle waste can pose a challenge, but following the right guidelines ensures responsible waste management in compliance with local regulations. Here’s how to differentiate between items that can be left on the curb and those that need to be delivered to a disposal location, along with key information on hazardous waste disposal, how to throw away paint, and waste disposal near you.
Curbside Bulk Item Collection
Tri-State Disposal will remove one bulk item each week, free of charge, on your regular weekly residential pick-up day. Please place items curbside with your collection carts by 6 AM on the day of collection. Items should weigh no more than 50 lbs and be able to be lifted by one person. Here are the types of items we collect curbside:
Appliances
We will pick up appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves, dryers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Illinois State law mandates removing the doors from these appliances before disposal. You can dispose of microwaves with your regular garbage because they are not part of the Illinois E-Waste Landfill Ban. For those preferring to recycle microwaves, drop-off locations at local appliance stores are available.
Bulk Items
We will collect mattresses and box springs, furniture, toilets, water heaters, small homeowner-generated construction waste, and carpets. When you dispose of carpet, you must roll and tie it in 4’ lengths and ensure it weighs less than 50 lbs.
Latex Paint
We will collect latex paint curbside. Ensure the paint is dry before placing it with your regular garbage. For more details on how to prepare latex paint for disposal, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
Items Requiring Special Disposal Locations
Certain items cannot be disposed of curbside due to their hazardous nature or specific disposal requirements. These should be delivered to designated disposal locations:
Electronics
Since the adoption of the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act in 2012, we are no longer able to collect electronics co-mingled with your regular household waste. This list includes televisions, monitors, printers, computers, and various other electronic devices. For a complete list of banned items and drop-off locations, visit our E-Waste page.
Hazardous Waste
Recycling facilities and landfills ban hazardous materials and you should never place them in garbage or recycling bins. This includes:
- Antifreeze
- Aerosol cans (only empty and relieved of pressure are accepted)
- CFL and Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Junk Tires
- Lithium, rechargeable, button, and car batteries
- Motor oil, diesel fuel, and gasoline
- Oil-based paint (for information on how to throw away paint properly, refer to local hazardous waste disposal guidelines)
- Pesticides
- Pool Chemicals
- Propane Tanks
For the easiest hazardous waste disposal near you, contact Tri-State Disposal today and we will direct you to the nearest drop-off location.
Medical Waste
Please dispose of the prescription bottles in your trash. Sharps should never be thrown away in regular trash or recycling bins. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends using drug take-back programs for expired, unwanted, or unused medicines, often available at local pharmacies. If a take-back program is unavailable, follow FDA guidelines for safe at-home disposal.
Tri-State is Here to Help You
Proper disposal of hard-to-handle waste is essential for maintaining safety and environmental health. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that you manage your waste responsibly. For more information on local disposal options, contact our team. At Tri-State Disposal, we are committed to helping you navigate these disposal requirements and keep our communities clean and safe.
