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What Day Is Trash Pickup in Sterling, IL?

Updated November 2026

Quick Answer for Sterling

  • Trash day: Tuesdays, collected by Republic Services
  • Recycling: weekly on Thursdays — no plastic bags, no styrofoam
  • Next holiday delay: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026)
  • Bulk pickup: call 311 — free, no limit

Trash pickup in Sterling is weekly on Tuesdays. Republic Services collects trash, recycling (weekly on Thursdays), and yard waste (spring through fall). Bins out by 6:00 AM.

Quick Facts

Trash Provider

Republic Services

Private hauler

Contact

311

Official website

Trash Pickup

Tuesdays (weekly)

Set out by 6:00 AM

Recycling Pickup

Thursdays (weekly)

14 materials accepted

Pickup Schedule

Trash Collection

Once per week

Tuesdays

Recycling Collection

Weekly

Thursdays

Yard Waste

Seasonal (spring through fall)

Fridays

Schedules vary by neighborhood. Check with Republic Services for your exact pickup day.

Recycling Rules

Sterling accepts 14 materials for curbside recycling. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.

Accepted

  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines & catalogs
  • Office paper & mail
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Aluminum cans

NOT Accepted

  • Plastic bags & film
  • Styrofoam (EPS)
  • Paper coffee cups
  • Shredded paper
  • Batteries (household alkaline)
  • Electronics (e-waste)
Recycling rules for Sterling

Bulk Pickup

How to Schedule

Call 311 or hauler

Free Pickups Per Year

Unlimited (free)

Call your waste hauler for pricing.

Bulk pickup details for Sterling

Holiday Pickup Schedule

Federal holidays delay trash pickup in Sterling by one day. Next: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026).

New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 19, 2026
Presidents' DayFebruary 16, 2026
Memorial DayMay 25, 2026
JuneteenthJune 19, 2026
Holiday schedule for Sterling

Composting in Sterling

Not Available

Sterling does not currently have a mandatory composting program. Backyard composting is encouraged.

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash in Sterling.2 drop-off locations for household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste drop-off in Sterling

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is trash pickup in Sterling?
Trash pickup in Sterling, IL is weekly on Tuesdays. Set out your bins by 6:00 AM. Republic Services handles residential waste collection. Recycling is collected weekly on Thursdays.
Can I recycle pizza boxes in Sterling?
Yes — Clean portions are recyclable. Greasy sections can go in compost where available, otherwise trash. Many programs now accept the whole box. In Sterling, pizza boxes are accepted in curbside recycling.
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Sterling?
To schedule bulk pickup in Sterling, call 311 or your hauler. Call your waste hauler for pricing.
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Sterling?
Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) affects trash pickup in Sterling. Pickup on this day and the rest of the week delayed by one day. Check with Republic Services for your specific route. Most federal holidays delay pickup by one day for the rest of the week.
What goes in the recycling bin in Sterling?
Sterling accepts 14 types of materials for curbside recycling, including cardboard, paper, glass bottles (check locally), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic #1, #2, and #5 containers. Do NOT put plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items in recycling. Rinse all containers before placing them in the bin.
Does Sterling have composting?
Sterling does not currently have a mandatory composting program. Backyard composting is encouraged. Check with Republic Services for green waste collection options.
What do I do if they missed my trash pickup in Sterling?
If your trash was missed in Sterling, first confirm it was your scheduled pickup day and that bins were out by 6:00 AM. Then call Republic Services at 311 (or your hauler's direct line) to report the miss. Most cities require you to report within 24 hours. Keep your bins at the curb until the makeup collection, which is typically within 1-2 business days.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Sterling?
Sterling has approximately 1 household hazardous waste drop-off locations. Items like paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash. Auto parts stores accept motor oil for free. Best Buy and Staples accept electronics. For everything else, use your city's HHW collection events or permanent facility.

Related Pages

Recycling Guide

What goes in the recycling bin in Sterling

Bulk Pickup

Schedule large item pickup

Holiday Schedule

When holidays delay pickup

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics disposal

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Back to Sterling overviewAll trash & recycling guides

Pickup schedules and rules are based on published municipal data. Schedules vary by neighborhood and route. Always confirm with Republic Services for your specific address. This page is for informational purposes only.