Waste and Recycling

Learn about curbside waste and recycling services and other options to reduce, reuse and recycle in and around Naperville.

Waste

The City of Naperville contracts with Groot Industries for residential garbage collection. View details on our Residential Garbage Collection page and learn more about garbage-related services below:

Recycling

The City of Naperville contracts with Groot Industries for residential recycling collection. View details on our Curbside Recycling Program page and learn more about recycling-related services below:

infographic detailing items that can/cannot be recycled in Naperville

Yard and Food Waste

Food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20 to 30 percent of what we throw away, ending up in landfill where they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills, thus decreasing the volume of waste in landfills and reducing emissions while naturally enriching soil.

Residents with yard waste carts rented with the City can compost their food scraps with their yard waste (NOT in paper yard waste bags). Alternatively, residents can invest in a backyard composter to divert their food scraps from landfills and enrich their own gardens. Composters are available to purchase as part of the Arbor Day Tree Sale.

Reduce and Reuse

Reducing the consumption of waste and unrecyclable materials is the best method of cleaning up our landfills, along with identifying opportunities for reuse or repurposing. Here are some tips for reducing and reusing:

  • Invest in reusable versions of traditionally single-use products. Think of water bottles, shopping bags, produce bags, paper towels, coffee cups, straws, cutlery, etc.
  • Grocery shop mindfully, considering the amount of food your household can realistically consume before its expiration. Compost food scraps that cannot be consumed or expire.
  • Get creative with reusing products you might usually throw away or recycle. For example, use plastic grocery bags as liners for small trash cans or as pet waste bags; use empty glass jars for leftover food storage; research crafts and DIY ideas that use common waste.