Plastics are sorted by resin code (#1–#7). Bottles and jugs (#1 PET and #2 HDPE) are the most widely accepted; films, bags and foam usually need special drop-off and never belong in curbside bins.

In Illinois we list 8 plastic drop-off locations across 7 cities, with the most in Chicago, Carbondale, Chatsworth, Chillicothe and Decatur. Each links to its full page with address, phone and hours.

Plastic Drop-Off Locations in Illinois

Dept Of Streets & Sanitation

📍Chicago · 121 N LaSalle St #1107, Chicago, IL 60602
📞+1 312-744-4611
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Ace Plastic Inc

📍Chatsworth · 7942 N 3350 E Rd, Chatsworth, IL 60921
📞+1 815-635-3737
🕐Today: 8 AM–5 PM
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Midwest Fiber Inc

📍Chillicothe · 11709 N Old Galena Rd, Chillicothe, IL 61523
📞+1 309-579-2605
🕐Today: 7 AM–3:30 PM
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Midwest Fiber Recycling

📍Decatur · 1781 Hubbard Ave, Decatur, IL 62526
📞+1 217-424-9460
🕐Today: 8 AM–4:30 PM
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Greenway Recycling Services Llc

📍Chicago · 2100 S Kilbourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
📞+1 773-522-0025
🕐Today: 5 AM–6 PM
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Area Recycling Facility

📍Pekin · 14379 IL-29, Pekin, IL 61554
📞+1 309-353-3333
🕐Today: 7:30 AM–4 PM
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Elgin Recycling Center

📍Elgin · 660 Schiller St, Elgin, IL 60123
📞+1 847-741-4100
🕐Today: 8 AM–5 PM
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Crc Southern Recycling

📍Carbondale · 300 W Chestnut St, Carbondale, IL 62901
📞+1 618-549-2880
🕐Today: 8 AM–4:30 PM
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Recycling Plastic in Illinois: What to Know

🥤 #1 & #2 bottles/jugs
The most valuable and widely recycled plastics — empty and replace the cap.
🛍️ Film & bags
Grocery bags and wrap jam sorting machines; take them to store drop-off instead.
📦 #3–#7 & foam
Often not accepted curbside; check for specialty drop-off.

How to Prepare Plastic

  • Empty and rinse containers; leave caps on bottles.
  • Never bag your recyclables — loose is better unless told otherwise.
  • Take plastic bags and film to store drop-off, not the curbside bin.

Plastic Recycling FAQ — Illinois

Which Illinois cities have the most plastic drop-off locations?

The most plastic drop-offs are in Chicago (2), Carbondale (1), Chatsworth (1), Chillicothe (1) and Decatur (1). In total we list 8 locations across 7 Illinois cities — all listed above with addresses and hours.

Where can I recycle plastic in Illinois?

Start with the facilities listed on this page and the full Illinois directory. Curbside carts cover bottles and jugs; bags, film and foam need special drop-off. Always call ahead to confirm the item is accepted and whether a fee applies.

Is there a fee to drop off plastic?

Some sites accept it free; others charge a per-item or per-pound fee because of processing or disposal costs. Fees change, so confirm with the facility before your visit.

Can I put plastic in my curbside bin?

Usually no — plastic typically needs a dedicated drop-off rather than the curbside recycling cart. Check your city or county program for its specific rules.

See all plastic recycling locations by city, the full Illinois recycling directory, or plastic recycling in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana.