Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-260
Containers – Use (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) It shall be the duty of the owner, his agent or occupant of every single dwelling, multiple dwelling producing less than 32 gallons of refuse per week,]* or a multiple dwelling, occupational unit to cause all refuse produced therein to be deposited in a refuse container or compactor as provided in Section 7-28-220 or 7-28-225 , and to keep a tightly fitting cover in place at all times when refuse is contained therein, except when opened for the deposit or removal of refuse. The owner, his agent or occupant shall maintain the container so that all refuse spilled during usage is removed and the area is cleaned in a timely manner. It shall be unlawful for any person other than the owner, his agent or occupant of the premises served by a refuse container to deposit or cause to be deposited therein any article or thing whatsoever. * Editor's note - Bracket shown is as set forth in Coun. J. 7-7-99, p. 6985, an amending ordinance in which bracketed material was to be deleted but no initial bracket was published. (b) It shall be the duty of every person responsible for the installation, use or emptying of a sanitary refuse container to keep a tightly fitting cover in place at all times when refuse is contained therein, except when opened for the deposit or removal of refuse. (c) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $200.00 and not more than $500.00 for each use. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. (Prior code § 99-19; Amend Coun. J. 7-13-94, p. 53272; Amend Coun. J. 7-7-99, p. 6985)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-260, owners, their agents, and occupants of dwellings are required to deposit all refuse in approved containers or compactors and keep those containers tightly covered whenever refuse is inside them. Spills that occur during use must be cleaned up promptly, and the surrounding area must be kept clear. The rule also prohibits anyone who does not have a connection to the premises from depositing anything into a container that serves that property, and violations can result in fines ranging from $200 to $500 per offense, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-260 generally ensure that all refuse generated on their properties is placed in containers or compactors that meet the specifications of Sections 7-28-220 or 7-28-225, and that those containers are fitted with tight-fitting covers kept in place whenever refuse is present. Compliant operators also establish routines for cleaning up any spills that occur during refuse deposit or removal so the area is restored in a timely manner. Because fines of $200–$500 can accrue for each day a violation continues, operators commonly conduct regular inspections of container areas and take prompt corrective action when issues are identified.
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 § 7-28-260 establishes that the duty to maintain refuse containers in a covered, clean condition falls on owners and their agents, not solely on occupants. If a tenant observes that containers on their property are consistently left uncovered, overflowing, or surrounded by unaddressed spills, they may report the condition to the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city enforcement body. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what complaint channels are 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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