In 2006, the Village of Forest Park, in partnership with Allied Waste Services, launched the 64-gallon recycling container program. Residents who called Allied Waste at 708-345-7050 and ordered their new container received it free of charge. The "toter," as it is commonly called, holds ALL of your recyclables, making it easy for anyone, even children, to contribute to saving the environment! Further, by reducing waste at landfills, you also save the Village money in disposal costs. Click THINK GREEN to view more about recycling.

YARD WASTE
Over the years, Public Works has done an excellent job of educating homeowners in the do's and don'ts of yard waste and brush collection. For most of us, it has become second nature. Keep in mind that Christmas trees are collected from the curb for recycling at no charge during the first two weeks in January! Trees will be picked up by Allied Waste on Thursdays.

BULK ITEMS
For solid waste, however, there are a few extra things to understand. Most importantly, bulk items (such as sofas, mattresses and televisions) won't fit in the toters; please place them in the alley or at the curb.

HAZARDOUS WASTE
Hazardous materials, such as paint, pesticides, cleaning solutions, gasoline, oil, and other flammable, toxic or corrosive products are not acceptable in your regular refuse for disposal. For these items, please contact the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency at 708-453-9100 or check their website at www.westcook.org for local collection dates.

WASTE PICK UP
If you are new in Forest Park, refuse, recycling and yard waste are picked up on Thursday. This normal service schedule may be affected by New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. During a holiday week, if one of these holidays falls on or before Thursday, service will be delayed until Friday.

Make sure all of your containers are in the alley or at the curb by 6 a.m. on the morning of collection! Containers that are on private property, inside fences or gates will not be emptied.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions at all about Forest Park recycling programs, household waste and yard waste, feel free to contact Allied Waste directly at 708-345-7050 or the Village Hall at 708-366-2323. If your bin is lost, stolen or damaged, contact the Village for a replacement.