Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-270
Contents of standard and commercial refuse containers and compactors (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit in any refuse container or compactor any article or thing except refuse as defined in this chapter. (Prior code § 99-20; Amend Coun. J. 7-7-99, p. 6985)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-270, it is unlawful for any person to place anything in a refuse container or compactor unless it qualifies as 'refuse' as that term is defined in Chapter 7-28. The rule applies broadly to all persons, not just property owners or tenants. Materials that fall outside the chapter's definition of refuse—such as certain hazardous items, bulk goods, or other non-qualifying materials—may not lawfully be deposited in those containers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-270 generally ensure that refuse containers and compactors on their properties are used only for materials that meet the Chapter 7-28 definition of refuse. Compliant operators typically post clear guidance for residents and staff about what may and may not be placed in shared containers. Keeping records of tenant communications about proper disposal practices is a common step taken by operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
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 § 7-28-270 establishes that placing non-refuse items in a refuse container or compactor is unlawful for any person, which includes tenants. If a tenant believes this provision is being violated on their property—for example, by improper dumping that creates a nuisance—they may consider filing a complaint with the city or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Tenants can also review the Chapter 7-28 definition of 'refuse' to better understand what materials are and are not permitted in shared containers.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.