1. Who is the City’s waste hauler?
Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), based out of Morton Grove, IL, is the City’s waste hauler. Since its formation, LRS has seen impressive, but controlled growth by providing the highest levels of waste and recycling service. Their efforts in sustainability have set them apart from other haulers; specifically, LRS is one of few haulers that do not own a landfill and focus instead of increasing recycling participation rates.
2. When will my garbage be picked up?
To find out your refuse and recycling pickup day, please refer to a map by using the City's Property Search tool at www.cityhpil.com/propertysearch. Input your address, view the Map Gallery, and select the "Garbage Collection Area" Map.
3. What cart sizes are offered?
Depending on the service, LRS will offer a choice of 35, 65 and 95-gallon carts. Volume-based and backdoor customers will be provided a 35-gallon refuse cart. Subscription curbside customers have the option of choosing a 35, 65 or 95-gallon cart for both refuse and recycling. Volume-based curbside customers may choose a 35, 65, or 95-gallon cart for recycling. All backdoor customers will receive a 35- gallon recycling cart. All options require a $11.30 base fee regardless of service type.
4. Can I change the type of service I have?
Yes. If you would like to change services at any time, call an LRS Service Representative at 844.633.3577 or email service@lrsrecycles.com.
5. When is the annual spring clean-up?
Spring clean-up is offered year-round through LRS bulk item pickup service. Highland Park residents are permitted to dispose of one bulk item (up to 50 pounds) per pickup on the same day as service and must be placed by the curb. The following items will not be collected during spring clean-up or the weekly bulk item collection: White goods, electronics/e-waste (televisions, computer monitors, etc.), items over 50 pounds (requiring two employees to lift safely), or construction debris. Please contact LRS at 844.633.3577 or email service@LRSrecycles.com to arrange pickup.
Carpet is considered construction debris and must be less than 4 feet in length and 18 inches in diameter. For proper carpet disposal, please call the customer service line at 844.633.3577 to arrange for a special pickup.
Mattresses that are placed out for removal should be wrapped and sealed. Shrink-wrapping is optimal, but plastic bags that have been taped together is acceptable too. This will help drivers avoid bed bug issues and/or mattresses difficult to lift due to soaking up rain or water.
Please call ahead to notify LRS of any curbside bulk item at 844.633.3577.
In partnership with LRS, the City has released the following Spring Clean-Up dates for 2024:
- If your regular collection day is Monday, your Spring Clean-Up Day is Saturday, March 30
- If your regular collection day is Tuesday, your Spring Clean-Up Day is Saturday, April 6
- If your regular collection day is Thursday, your Spring Clean-Up Day is Saturday, April 13
- If your regular collection day is Friday, your Spring Clean-Up Day is Saturday, April 20
For more information, please click here.
6. What is the organic/ composting program?All single-family residences may participate in community-wide curbside composting by utilizing their 3rd LRS cart, specifically for disposal of yard waste and food scraps. This material will be collected by LRS and made into compost, a soil amendment.
You may put acceptable materials into this cart and place it at the curb, no sticker required, on your regular pick-up day. Additional information on the cart and acceptable materials is available here.
If you do not want the new cart for any reason, please visit the following link: LRSrecycles.com/HighlandParkOrganics so that you can submit your information in order to not receive delivery. You can also call LRS at 844.NEED.LRS or email Service@LRSrecycles.com with any inquiries or requests.
7. What do I do with electronics?LRS will collect one large electronic waste item (televisions, monitors, computers, speakers, etc.) or three small electronic waste items (phones, mice, radios, adding machines, etc.) on the first customer collection day of the month. Please contact LRS for information regarding large or small sized electronic waste options at 844.633.3577 or service@lrsrecycles.com.
8. How do holidays affect my service?
Service days that fall on one of the six holidays listed below will be collected on the following day. If the holiday falls on a Friday, your service day will be Saturday.
- Christmas
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
White goods and appliances are no longer allowed in landfills. If you have an appliance or white good that needs removal, please call a LRS Service Representative at 844.633.3577 or email service@lrsrecycles.com to schedule service. A charge of $46.15 per item will be charged. Items include: Washers and Dryers, Refrigerators (no Freon), Ovens, Dishwashers, Stoves, AC Units, Hot Water Heaters, Freezers
10. How can I dispose of household chemical waste?
Household Chemical Waste is not allowed in conventional waste streams. Please consult the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) at 847.336.9340, or www.swalco.org to schedule an appointment to properly dispose of HCW’s. Items include, but are not limited to: Paint, Cleaning Products, Pesticides, Solvents, Oil, Antifreeze, Insecticides, Lawn Chemicals
11. How do I dispose of construction and demolition debris?
Please call a LRS Service Representative at 844.633.3577 or email service@lrsrecycles.com to schedule service.
12. What do I do if my garbage isn’t picked up?
If your garbage or recycling was not picked up on its scheduled service day, between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, please call a LRS Service Representative at 844.633.3577 or email service@lrsrecycles.com to schedule service.
13. How long is the contract with LRS?
The Contract with LRS is in place until March 31, 2027.
14. What is an RFID chip and how does it work?
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology allows Lake Shore Recycling Systems to track and bill residents without the cumbersome act of buying stickers. An RFID tag is embedded into the refuse carts and tracks the number of times a refuse cart is tipped each month. Customers are billed accordingly.
15. What is a base fee and why do I have to pay it (even if I’m not using the service)?
The “base fee” is a monthly refuse fee on all property owners in Highland Park regardless of their service option. The fee is the foundation of the City’s contract with the current and former waste haulers and allows our community to participate in an ala carte waste program where property owners are allowed to choose the refuse option that best fits their needs. The pricing structure not only provides more options to residents and business owners, it also takes into account the unusually high number of ‘snow birds’ and travelers within our community. Additionally, the base fee covers the cost of refuse and recycling trucks on the street, service to communal properties and receptacles, and waste services at City-sponsored events such as Taste of Highland Park and the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.
16. Who should I contact with questions or concerns regarding my service?
Please call LRS at 844.633.3577 with any questions or concerns. If you would like to express a concern about LRS, please contact the City at 847.926.1000.