Managing household waste effectively is important for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. In Peoria, Illinois, residents have access to comprehensive waste management services through the city’s “Peoria Picks Up” program, as well as additional options for larger disposal needs. This guide will help you understand all the waste collection services available in Peoria and when you might need to consider alternatives like dumpster rentals for bigger projects.
Peoria’s Residential Waste Collection Services
The City of Peoria contracts with GFL Environment to provide residential recycling, yard waste, and trash collection services. These services are available to single-family homes and multi-family buildings with up to four units within the Peoria city limits.
Collection Schedule and Fees
In Peoria, trash and yard waste are collected weekly, while recycling is picked up every other week. The fees for these services appear on your annual Peoria County Real Estate Tax Bill as “Garbage Fee.” The amount you pay depends on your property type:
| Property Type | 2024 Annual Fee | Services Included |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | $300 | Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste, Bulky Waste |
| Duplex | $600 | Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste, Bulky Waste |
| Triplex | $900 | Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste, Bulky Waste |
| Quadplex | $1,200 | Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste, Bulky Waste |
| Condominiums | $132 | Trash, Recycling (No Yard Waste) |
If you believe your fee is incorrect or the number of units billed doesn’t match your property, you can submit a Dispute Form through the City of Peoria’s Public Works Department.
Standard Trash Collection in Peoria
Every eligible household in Peoria can receive one 95-gallon trash cart from the city. Your trash is collected once per week, and you can place additional trash in your own containers (under 45 gallons with tight-fitting lids) or black trash bags if needed. There’s no additional charge for extra trash containers or bags as long as they weigh less than 50 pounds each.
To ensure your trash gets collected properly, place your cart at the curb or designated pickup location no earlier than 3 PM the day before collection and no later than 6 AM on your scheduled day. Position the cart with the lid opening facing the street and keep it at least three feet away from other carts, cars, snow piles, or mailboxes. After collection, remember to move your cart away from the curb within 24 hours, storing it alongside your house or in your garage.
If you need a trash cart or need to report a damaged or missing cart, you can fill out the Sign Up for Trash Cart Form or call Peoria Public Works at (309) 494-8800.
Recycling Services in Peoria
Peoria residents can request up to two 95-gallon recycling carts at no additional cost. Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash collection. Like trash carts, recycling carts should be placed at the curb with the opening facing the street and positioned three feet away from other containers.
To sign up for recycling carts or learn more about what materials are accepted for recycling, you can visit the City of Peoria’s website or call Public Works.
Yard Waste Collection
The City of Peoria provides yard waste collection from mid-March through mid-December (March 18 – December 13, 2024). Yard waste is collected weekly on the same day as your trash. You can use plastic or metal trash containers between 40 and 45 gallons with handles and tight-fitting lids, or 65 or 95-gallon wheeled carts. These containers should be labeled with “Yard Waste Only” stickers, which are available at City Hall, Public Works, or any GFL Environment location.
Yard waste can also be placed in compostable bags that can support up to 30 pounds of material. Tree branches and similar materials should be bundled with non-metallic cord, with bundles no more than five feet long and weighing no more than 50 pounds.
When City Services Aren’t Enough: Larger Waste Management Needs
While Peoria’s municipal waste services cover most day-to-day household needs, there are situations where you might need additional waste management solutions. Home renovation projects, major cleanouts, construction debris, or large-scale yard clearing can generate much more waste than standard city services are designed to handle.
Limitations of City Waste Collection
The “Peoria Picks Up” program does have some limitations:
| Service | Limitations | When You Might Need Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Bulky Waste | Must be placed at curb, no loose items | Multiple large items or construction debris |
| Yard Waste | Seasonal service only (March-December) | Large landscaping projects or out-of-season needs |
| E-Waste | Not accepted in regular collection | Electronics disposal |
| Hazardous Waste | Not accepted in regular collection | Paint, chemicals, or other hazardous materials |
| Tires | Not accepted in regular collection | Tire disposal |
While the city does offer bulky waste collection for items too large to fit in your trash cart (like furniture and mattresses), there are many situations where the volume or type of waste exceeds what the city service can handle efficiently.
When to Consider Dumpster Rental in Peoria
For larger projects in Peoria, renting a dumpster from a local company like Zap Dumpsters can be the most efficient solution. Here are some situations where dumpster rental makes sense:
Home Renovation Projects
When renovating your Peoria home, you’ll likely generate significant amounts of construction debris, old fixtures, drywall, flooring materials, and other waste. A dumpster allows you to dispose of all these materials in one place, making cleanup more efficient throughout your project. Rather than trying to fit construction debris into your weekly trash collection or making multiple trips to disposal facilities, a dumpster from Zap Dumpsters provides a convenient onsite solution.
Spring or Fall Cleanouts
While Peoria’s regular trash service allows for additional bags and containers, major home cleanouts can quickly overwhelm this system. Whether you’re clearing out an entire house, cleaning a basement or attic, or handling an estate cleanout, a dumpster provides the necessary capacity all at once. Zap Dumpsters offers various sizes to match your specific cleanout needs, from 10-yard containers for smaller projects to 40-yard dumpsters for major cleanouts.
Landscaping and Yard Overhauls
The city’s yard waste collection works well for routine maintenance, but major landscaping projects generate far more debris. Additionally, since yard waste collection is seasonal (ending in December and not resuming until March), winter yard projects aren’t covered. A dumpster from Zap Dumpsters can accommodate large volumes of soil, sod, branches, and other landscaping materials regardless of the season.
Roofing Projects
Roof replacements generate enormous amounts of heavy waste in a short period. The weight and volume of old shingles and roofing materials make them particularly difficult to manage through regular collection. Zap Dumpsters provides dumpsters specifically suited for roofing projects, positioned for easy loading directly from the roof.
Why Choose Zap Dumpsters for Peoria Projects
While Peoria’s municipal waste services handle routine household waste effectively, Zap Dumpsters offers complementary services for those larger projects that exceed city capabilities. As a family-owned business serving Peoria and surrounding communities within a 40-mile radius, Zap Dumpsters understands the specific needs of local residents.
Local Expertise and Service
Based at 208 SW Center St in Peoria, Zap Dumpsters offers personalized service that larger national companies can’t match. Their team understands Peoria’s neighborhoods, regulations, and disposal requirements, ensuring your dumpster rental experience goes smoothly from delivery to pickup. In fact, should you not have space on your own land to place a dumpster, Zap can advise on how to get a permit from the City of Peoria.
Comprehensive Dumpster Options
Zap Dumpsters offers a complete range of container sizes to match any project:
- 10 Yard Dumpsters: Perfect for small renovation projects and garage cleanouts
- 12 Yard Dumpsters: Ideal for medium-sized cleanup projects and home remodeling
- 15 Yard Dumpsters: Suited for larger residential projects and small commercial needs
- 20 Yard Dumpsters: Excellent for major home renovations and construction debris
- 30 Yard Dumpsters: Designed for large construction projects and industrial use
- 40 Yard Dumpsters: The largest option for major commercial and industrial requirements
This variety ensures you get exactly the right size for your specific project, avoiding both overflow issues and paying for unused space.
Flexible Rental Terms
Unlike city waste collection, which operates on a fixed weekly schedule, Zap Dumpsters offers flexible rental terms to accommodate your project timeline. Whether you need a dumpster for a weekend project or a longer-term renovation, they can create a rental agreement that works for you.
Professional Delivery and Pickup
Zap Dumpsters handles all aspects of dumpster delivery and placement, ensuring your container is positioned conveniently for your project without damaging your property. When you’re finished, a simple call arranges prompt pickup, with no need to wait for your regular collection day.
How to Get Started with Waste Management in Peoria
How Does Peoria Regular City Waste Collection Work?
- Determine your collection day by visiting the Trash Collection Schedule Map on the City of Peoria website and entering your address.
- Request your city-provided trash cart by filling out the Sign Up for Trash Cart Form or calling Public Works at (309) 494-8800.
- Consider adding recycling service by requesting up to two recycling carts through the city.
- Familiarize yourself with yard waste guidelines and collection dates if you need this service.
- For missed pickups, submit a report online or contact GFL at (309) 650-8954.
How DO Larger Projects Requiring a Dumpster Work?
- Contact Zap Dumpsters to discuss your project and waste disposal needs.
- Their team will help you select the appropriate dumpster size based on your specific project.
- Schedule delivery to your Peoria location at a convenient time that aligns with your project start.
- Use the dumpster throughout your project, filling it with approved materials.
- When you’re finished, contact Zap Dumpsters for pickup service.
Remember that certain items like electronics, hazardous waste, and tires aren’t accepted in either regular city collection or standard dumpster rentals. For these materials, consult the Peoria County Recycling Guide or contact Peoria County Solid Waste Management at (309) 681-2550 for proper disposal options.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Waste Management Needs
Peoria residents benefit from comprehensive city waste collection services for everyday household waste. The “Peoria Picks Up” program provides convenient weekly trash and yard waste collection, as well as bi-weekly recycling services, all included in your annual fee. These services work well for routine waste management needs.
However, when you’re facing larger projects like home renovations, major cleanouts, or construction work, the limitations of regular city collection become apparent. In these situations, partnering with a local dumpster rental provider like Zap Dumpsters offers a more efficient, convenient solution tailored to your specific project needs.
By understanding the full range of waste management options available in Peoria, you can make informed decisions about how to handle your household waste effectively, keeping your property clean and your projects on track. For your next major home project, consider contacting Zap Dumpsters to discuss your specific needs and arrange for the perfect waste management solution.
