Chicago Hazardous Waste and Electronics Drop-Off (Goose Island HCCRF)

Where and when

The facility is at 1150 N. North Branch Street, two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street. According to the City of Chicago HCCRF page, regular hours are:

• Tuesday, 7 a.m. to noon
• Thursday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• First Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When we checked, the page also warned residents to watch for schedule changes while repairs take place at the facility. Don't leave anything outside when it's closed. The e-waste page also notes that electronics stop being accepted once the truck is full.

Checked October 2026. Hours, fees, residency rules and accepted items change, sometimes with little notice. Call the site or check its official page before you load up.

Two buildings, two drop-offs

The blue building takes household chemicals and the yellow building takes electronics. At the chemical door an attendant checks every item and hands back anything that isn't accepted. All Chicago residents can use the facility. Businesses and large groups have to hire a private disposal company.

Accepted and not accepted

Accepted chemicals include bleach and drain cleaners, rechargeable, lithium and car batteries, oil-based and aerosol paint, thinners and solvents, CFLs and tubes, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, pesticides, BBQ propane tanks, lawn, pool and hobby chemicals, mercury items and small fire extinguishers. Electronics (per the Chicago Recycles e-waste page): computers, monitors, TVs, printers, fax machines, scanners, keyboards, game consoles, DVD players and cable boxes.

Not accepted: alkaline batteries, latex and water-based paint, ammunition and fireworks, smoke detectors, appliances (from microwaves to washers), air conditioners and refrigerants, tires, medical waste and sharps, pharmaceuticals, and concrete.

What to do with latex paint

The city doesn't take latex paint because of its high disposal cost and low environmental impact. Its advice is to use it up, donate it, or dry it out with kitty litter, shredded paper or sawdust, then put the dried paint and empty can in the trash. See how to get rid of old paint.

The HCCRF doesn't take trash or bulky junk. For a landfill or transfer station near Chicago, check the Dumpmapper map and estimate the bill with the dump fee calculator.

Chicago Hazardous Waste and Electronics Drop-Off (Goose Island HCCRF) FAQ

Where can I drop off hazardous waste in Chicago?

At the Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility, 1150 N. North Branch St., during its posted hours: Tuesday morning, Thursday afternoon and the first Saturday of the month.

Does Chicago take latex paint?

Not at the HCCRF. The city says to use it up, donate it, or dry it out and put it in the trash.

Can I recycle a TV in Chicago?

Yes. TVs, monitors, computers and printers are accepted at the facility's yellow electronics building.

Does the HCCRF take alkaline batteries or smoke detectors?

No. Both are on the city's not-accepted list.

Can businesses use the HCCRF?

No. It's for Chicago residents' household materials. Businesses need a private disposal company.

The bottom line

Check the hours (and any repair notices), go to the blue building for chemicals and the yellow one for electronics, and dry out latex paint at home. More: household hazardous waste.