Homewood Junk Removal Services

Our Junk Removal Process

Contact Homewood's Department of Public Works for Bulk Item Disposal & Transfer Station Requirements

Homewood residents rely on the Department of Public Works (DPW) for comprehensive waste management services, including access to the Village Transfer Station and bulk item collection programs. The Transfer Station, located at 17755 S Ashland Ave, operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and requires proof of residency for access. Residents may need a permit or sticker for certain disposal activities, and fees may apply for specific waste types such as construction debris or large appliances. Accepted materials typically include household waste, recyclables, and select bulk items, while hazardous waste, tires, and electronics are prohibited. Bulk item collection is available by appointment or on scheduled days, with residents required to notify DPW in advance, prepare items (e.g., mattresses wrapped, appliances certified CFC-free), and follow guidelines for curbside placement. Special collection events for electronics, textiles, and scrap metal are held seasonally. For detailed requirements and scheduling, contact:

Public Works Department
17755 S Ashland Ave, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3470
Official Website: Public Works Department

Understanding Illinois Waste Regulations & Homewood's Recycling Requirements for Junk Removal

Junk removal in Homewood is governed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois EPA regulations, which mandate responsible handling of various waste streams. Residents must separate recyclables—such as cardboard, metals, plastics, glass, and textiles—from general waste, in accordance with both state law and local ordinances. Electronics, including televisions and computers, are banned from landfills and must be recycled through certified programs under the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act. Appliances containing refrigerants require certified removal before disposal, and tires must be taken to approved facilities. Construction debris, including concrete, brick, and clean wood, must be sorted and delivered to licensed recyclers. Homewood enforces these requirements through its collection programs, Transfer Station policies, and periodic special events. For more information on compliance and local implementation, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Homewood Board of Health Guidelines for Safe & Sanitary Junk Removal Operations

The Homewood Board of Health, in coordination with the Cook County Department of Public Health, oversees sanitation standards for junk removal to protect public health. Improper storage or disposal of junk can attract rodents and insects, create unsanitary conditions, and pose injury risks from sharp or unstable materials. Residents are required to stage items for curbside collection no more than 24-48 hours before scheduled pickup, ensuring materials are securely contained and protected from weather to prevent scattering or water accumulation. Standing water in discarded items must be eliminated to reduce mosquito breeding. Illegal dumping is strictly prohibited and should be reported to Code Enforcement for prompt investigation. For health-related concerns or to report violations, contact:

Cook County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Division, 15900 S Cicero Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452
Phone: (708) 633-4000
Official Website: Cook County Department of Public Health

Hazardous Waste & Electronics Disposal Regulations in Homewood

Proper identification and disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) are critical for environmental and public safety. Common HHW includes paints, solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids, cleaning chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and propane tanks. These materials are strictly prohibited from regular trash, curbside bulk pickup, and the Transfer Station. Homewood participates in regional HHW collection events and partners with county facilities for safe disposal. Residents must keep hazardous items in original containers, label them clearly, and never mix different chemicals. Universal waste—such as batteries, mercury devices, and certain lamps—requires specialized handling and documentation under Illinois EPA rules. Electronics must be recycled through certified programs, with documentation as required by state law. For more information on hazardous waste programs and compliance, consult the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Homewood Building Department Requirements for Construction & Demolition Debris

The Homewood Building Department regulates the disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) debris to ensure environmental compliance and public safety. Permits are required for major cleanouts, renovations, and demolition projects, including temporary dumpster placement in the public right-of-way. Contractors must be licensed and provide documentation of proper waste management, including separation and recycling of concrete, asphalt, brick, metal, and clean wood. Older buildings may require hazardous material assessments for asbestos or lead paint, with specialized disposal procedures. All C&D waste must be delivered to certified facilities, and contractors are responsible for compliance with Illinois EPA regulations. For permit applications, contractor registration, and compliance verification, contact:

Building Division / Building Permits
Village Hall, 2nd Floor, 2020 Chestnut Rd, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3856
Official Website: Building Division / Building Permits

Protecting Homewood's Environment Through Proper Waste Stream Management & Illegal Dumping Prevention

Improper junk disposal can harm Homewood’s local water bodies, including Butterfield Creek and nearby wetlands, as well as conservation areas protected under state and federal law. Debris entering storm drains can pollute waterways and violate the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES stormwater requirements. Homewood enforces strict penalties for illegal dumping, with remediation costs and liability for violators. Residents and contractors must ensure debris is contained, especially during removal operations near sensitive habitats, and comply with erosion control and wash water management standards. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 may be required for activities near protected areas. To report illegal dumping or environmental violations, contact:

Code Enforcement / Property Maintenance
2020 Chestnut Rd, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3466
Official Website: Code Enforcement / Property Maintenance

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Homewood, IL?

Homewood’s neighborhoods each present unique junk removal challenges and regulatory considerations:

• Downtown Homewood: Features historic homes and mixed-use buildings, requiring lead/asbestos awareness and careful staging due to narrow streets and limited parking.
• Ravinia and Southgate: Suburban areas with larger lots, generating more yard waste and bulk items, but offering easier access for collection vehicles.
• Governors Park: Contains mid-century homes and senior communities, often needing estate cleanouts and assistance with heavy items; alley access may be limited.
• Homewood Estates: Modern developments with standard waste streams and shared disposal responsibilities in multi-family complexes.
• Heather Hill: Proximity to conservation areas and floodplains necessitates strict environmental compliance and special handling of debris to prevent water contamination.
• Old Homewood: Older urban area with frequent renovations, requiring construction debris management and coordination for dumpster placement on narrow streets.
• Commercial Districts (Halsted Street Corridor): Mixed-use and industrial properties generate specialized waste streams and require adherence to commercial disposal regulations and scheduling.

Each area may have different collection schedules, access protocols, and environmental sensitivities, so residents should consult DPW for neighborhood-specific guidance.

Homewood Municipal Ordinances for Commercial Junk Removal Operations & Equipment Use

Commercial junk removal in Homewood is regulated by municipal ordinances to ensure public safety, minimize disruption, and protect the environment. Service providers must obtain proper licensing, maintain insurance and bonding, and comply with equipment operation hours and noise restrictions. Large-scale operations require right-of-way permits for dumpsters or vehicles placed on public property, and all contractors must register annually with the Building Department. Documentation of proper disposal at certified facilities is mandatory, and non-compliance may result in fines or permit revocation. For detailed ordinance requirements and permit applications, contact:

Community Development Department
2020 Chestnut Rd, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3856
Official Website: Community Development Department

By following these comprehensive guidelines and working closely with Homewood’s municipal departments, residents and businesses can ensure safe, legal, and environmentally responsible junk removal that protects public health and preserves the community’s natural resources.