Litter Reporting Tips

Compiled by Cleanup Club Chicago

Although we do litter cleanups in a variety of public spaces, some areas cannot (or should not) be cleaned up by volunteers. Here’s how to get a trashy area cleaned up if it’s not a public space, it’s someone else’s job to clean the area, or a group cleanup isn’t possible. Please note that we recommend reporting things directly through the 311 app or website instead of calling them, as it will be much easier to follow your request and check on its status later on. It will also create a digital trail if you need it later.

Vacant Lots

  • What To Do: Submit a 311 Request-Clean Vacant Lot. You’ll need to take note of the general address/location. You can also attach photos to the request, which are very helpful. Private lots are usually addressed more quickly than public ones, in our experience. Please note that you can file this 311 report anonymously as well, if you are concerned about any reprisal.

Private Property

  • Mainly for commercial and residential properties with excessive trash, including on their parking lot, parkway, yard, sidewalk, etc.

  • What To Do: If it’s a business, calling or emailing them first to politely ask them to clean up their trash may prevent any further action. Let them know that if they don’t do something by X date, you will be reaching out to the city. If they don’t do anything, you can report them for a Sanitation Code Violation through the 311 app. We’ve had more success with these reports than any other, as the city will generally visit and issue a warning fairly quickly. It is the property owner’s responsibility to keep their space clean, per city regulations. Please note that you can file this 311 report anonymously as well, if you are concerned about any reprisal.

  • If it’s happening fairly often, you can also contact your alderman and let them know. 

Highways Underpasses, Ramps, and surrounding areas

  • What To Do: For state highways (I-55, I-90, I-94, I-290) IDOT is responsible for green spaces next to ramps, fenced in areas next to the highway, and fenced in areas under overpasses. You can reach out through the IDOT website directly to report a problem like this. We have generally gotten a response that it has been cleaned up within 3-4 weeks, but this probably varies based on the area and time of year. The ward is responsible for all other areas near highways, such as non-fenced sections under overpasses and the sidewalks nearby. Reaching out to the alderman is your best course of action for this.

Public Parks

  • Public Parks are supposed to be regularly cleaned by park staff.

  • If you are seeing a public park that needs litter cleaned up, please contact the Director of Cultural and Natural Resources to report it. Her email is cathy.breitenbach@chicagoparkdistrict.com. Her office phone number is 312-742-4946.

  • If you do not get a response from Cathy, contact Michael Brown at michael.brown4@chicagoparkdistrict.com. 

Hazardous Waste in the River or on its Banks

  • Does not include regular trash- only things like gas tanks, steel barrels, etc. 

  • What To Do: 311 request - Spills or Dumping in Natural Waterways. You will need to take note of which address is nearest to the spot so you can indicate it in the form. Taking photos to include in the request is also helpful. MWRD will be the department that most likely handles the request.

Overflowing Public Trash Bins

  • What To Do: Contact your alderman. Their superintendent is most likely responsible for emptying the bins, and will likely send someone out once they know they’re overflowing. You can also report it as a Wire Basket Request through the 311 website/app (they will pass it on to the ward).

Requesting a New Public Trash Bin

  • This one has been harder to accomplish, as it typically requires longer-term planning and budgeting on the part of the ward. That said, it is still possible, it just may take a more concerted effort over time.

  • What To Do: Contact your alderman and also fill out a Wire Basket Request through the 311 website. You will need to select “New Basket Requested” for question #4. Because this is a bigger ask, we would recommend rallying your neighbors to also submit requests and contact the alderman about the issue. Taking photos of the area you want the basket to be in can also be helpful, as you can illustrate that there’s a trash accumulation and show that there aren’t any baskets nearby. Additionally, if your ward offers surveys for participatory budgeting (or something similar that allows you to weigh in), we’d recommend mentioning this issue again, and rallying other ward residents to do the same.