Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-240
Refuse removal (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) Multiple dwellings. Except for those dwelling units required to have city refuse collection pursuant to section 7-28-235 , it shall be the duty of the owner, or agent thereof, of every multiple dwelling containing 5 or more dwelling units to cause all refuse produced therein to be removed from the buildings at least once each week at such owner's or agent's own cost and expense. (b) Occupational units. It shall be the duty of the occupant of every occupational unit to cause all refuse produced therein to be removed from the property at least once each week at such occupant's own cost and expense. (Prior code § 99-18; Amend Coun. J. 7-7-99, p. 6985; Amend Coun. J. 6-28-00, p. 36650, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-4-03, p. 7118, § 22; Amend Coun. J. 12-7-05, p. 64870, § 1.3; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 158; Amend Coun. J. 7-29-15, p. 3535, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12062, Art. IX, § 2)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-240, owners or their agents of residential buildings with five or more dwelling units are responsible for arranging and paying for refuse removal at least once per week, unless city collection already applies under a related provision. Separately, occupants of occupational units bear the same weekly removal obligation at their own expense. The rule divides refuse-removal responsibility based on property type and the number of units involved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-240 places the cost and coordination of weekly refuse removal squarely on the owner or agent of any multiple dwelling with five or more units, unless mandatory city collection under § 7-28-235 already applies. Compliant operators typically establish a regular weekly pickup schedule with a licensed hauler and document that arrangement. Keeping records of service contracts and pickup logs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-240 establishes that tenants in occupational units are responsible for arranging and funding their own weekly refuse removal, while tenants in larger multi-unit buildings can look to their landlord to fulfill that obligation. If refuse is not being removed as required in a multi-unit building, tenants may have grounds to raise a violation with the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Chicago municipal code can help residents understand what options may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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