311 Requests

City services like street lights that are out, sewer clogs, and rodent control can be requested through our office, online by going to 311.chicago.gov, or calling 311. You are always welcome to send the information to our office so we can get detailed information to our city departments.

311 SERVICE REQUEST

Replacement Garbage or Recycling Carts

The City's Blue Cart program provides recycling services to single family homes and multi-unit buildings with four or fewer units. Blue carts are picked up every other week. In the 32nd Ward, section 2 (east of the river) is picked up by the city. Section 3 (west of the river) is picked up by LRS. Paper, glass, and plastic can all be deposited into the same cart. Deposit recyclable materials loosely into your blue cart. DO NOT BAG THE ITEMS. Blue carts that have bags in them will be tagged and will not be serviced.

If you would like to have a garbage or recycling cart replaced or need to start service, you can request that through 311. On average, it can take up to 30 days to get a new cart. Please check your alley before asking for one. While our S&S crews do their best to put them back sometimes, they are shifted.

QUICK LINKS

Garbage/Blue Cart Pickup Schedule

Department of Streets and Sanitation

Recycling Map

LRS Recycling Map
Recycling Guide
Household Chemicals and Recycling Facility

Recycling Rules for Buildings Over 4 Units

Rodent Control

Calls for rodent control is one of the top requests our office receives. While the City aggressively tries to bait the alleys and yards (when requested), rodents will keep moving around the city to find food.

Here is what you can do to assist us in keeping the population down:

If you see rodents in your alley, put in a 311 request to have the alley baited.
If there are holes in your garbage/recycling carts, request replacement carts from 311.
Keep the lids on your carts closed so animals cannot access the food sources.
Do not feed animals openly such as pigeons or rats, dropped food encourages rodents to gather.
Clean up your dog waste!
Make sure your yard is free of debris such as old tires that could be a space for rodents to nest and breed.

Tree Trimming

In the spring of 2023, the Bureau of Forestry moved from a first come, first serve service to a grid system. This means that they now work in sections city wide rather than hopping from one block to another. This allows crews to create a more efficient and equitable process for Chicago residents, and allowing for the proper maintenance of the City’s overall urban tree canopy.

The Bureau of Forestry’s goal is to operate weekly in every ward during the tree trimming season (generally April - December), barring any emergency weather incidents. Signs will be posted in advance of tree trimming and we will update this map as we get more information.

While the City no longer accepts tree trim requests, they are still accepting requests to address tree emergencies (if a tree has fallen and is blocking a street or alley or has fallen), requests for tree inspections for removal or planting, and debris clean up (eg large branch on the parkway). Click here if you'd like to report a problem.

Abandoned Vehicles

If you see a car that you think is abandoned, you can report it for a tow. A vehicle is considered abandoned under this criteria:

On a public way in a state of disrepair as to be incapable of being driven in its present condition.
Has not been moved or used for more than seven consecutive days and is apparently deserted.
Has been left on the public way without state registration or a temporary state registration placard for two or more days.
Is a hazardous dilapidated vehicle left in full view of the general public, whether on public or private property.
This does not apply to bicycles.

You will need the address, make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle. Once reported, the City will place a 10 day notice for tow on the vehicle. This will allow the owner of the vehicle the opportunity to move their vehicle prior to towing. If the vehicle has moved at all, even just a few inches, the City will not tow. If they have not, then the City will tow.

If your vehicle has been towed, you can call 311 to find out where it is.