Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-515
Transportation (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. A producer of infectious waste shall arrange for removal of its infectious waste with a hauler or transporter for off-site disposal who holds a special waste hauling permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, under its regulations Title 35, Subtitle G., Ch. 1, Subch. h, Part 809, et seq. B. No person other than a hauler or transporter holding a special waste hauling permit shall transport infectious waste off-site; provided, however, that a licensed physician or nurse may personally transport off-site medical waste not to exceed a total of six pounds to an approved infectious waste treatment or storage facility within the City of Chicago or county of Cook provided that all infectious medical waste is properly contained and identified while in transport and that such transport shall be completed within 12 hours from the time the waste was generated. C. No person except a physician or nurse as noted in subsection B shall transport infectious waste to any off-site facility for storage, treatment or disposal in any vehicle that does not display a registration number and seal as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and applicable Illinois law and statutes. D. Each vehicle except vehicles used by a physician or nurse as noted in subsection B shall comply with the regulations adopted by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the United States Department of Transportation or the United States Environmental Protection Agency, whichever has jurisdiction, if applicable. E. Each vehicle, except vehicles used by a physician or nurse as noted in subsection B, used to transport infectious waste off-site for storage, treatment or disposal shall be labeled, marked and shall display placards or the standard biohazard symbols indicating that infectious medical waste is contained in the vehicle. This identification is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an independently enforceable regulation with respect to labeling, marking and placarding requirements. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and enforcement of these requirements. (Added Coun. J. 9-12-90, p. 20461)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-515 governs how infectious waste must be transported off-site. Producers must use haulers holding an Illinois EPA special waste permit, and transport vehicles must display proper registration, biohazard markings, and comply with applicable transportation regulations. A narrow exception allows licensed physicians or nurses to personally carry up to six pounds of medical waste to an approved facility within Chicago or Cook County, provided it is properly contained and the trip is completed within 12 hours.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-515, property owners or managers who generate infectious waste—such as those operating medical or assisted-living facilities—generally contract only with haulers holding a valid Illinois EPA special waste hauling permit. Compliant operators verify that transport vehicles display required registration numbers, seals, and biohazard placards before waste leaves the property. Keeping documentation of hauler permits and transport records supports ongoing compliance with the commissioner's implementing rules.
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 § 7-28-515 sets standards that protect the public by ensuring infectious waste is handled only by properly permitted haulers using marked, compliant vehicles. If you believe a landlord or building operator is arranging improper infectious-waste removal, you may file a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or contact a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Documenting observed violations—such as unmarked vehicles or unlicensed haulers—can support any complaint you choose to pursue.
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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