1. Advise the Mayor and the Office of Public Works on bicycle issues
2. Analyze routing operation and safety of utilizing bicycles for transportation purposes
3. Evaluate and make recommendations for the development of a master plan for bicycling including on-street and off-street paths and lanes; signed shared roadways; bicycle racks; and signage and signalization.
4. Develop education and public outreach programs on bicycle issues
5. Work with the City to develop strategies that help make routes safer for children to bicycle to school and increase the number of children who choose to bicycle
6. Assist the city in the development of bicycle infrastructure within the community
7. Assist the city to coordinate routs and trails as appropriate through the Springfield Area Transportation Study (SATS) and other cooperative efforts

1. Ride Your Bike & SMTD for Heath, Fitness, and a Greener Environment - Bike Rack Policy
2. City of Springfield Bike Map
3. City of Springfield Bike This Way
4. IDNR Walk, Hike, Bike, and History Tours
5. Ride Illinois
6. State of Illinois Trails, Paths, and Streets

As part of our 2025 downtown overlays, the City of Springfield Public Works Department is proposing a conversion of one vehicle lane on 7th Street (from Madison Street to Capitol Avenue) into a dedicated bike lane. This change supports safer multimodal transportation and improved accessibility in our downtown.

The overlay project is anticipated for August 2025. South of Capitol Avenue, no pavement marking changes are planned at this time due to pending utility work.

We’re seeking public feedback before finalizing this change. Please view the proposal below and let us know what you think!

Feedback: Submit Your Feedback Here
Deadline for Comments: July 15, 2025

Residents were invited to attend a public open house on October 5, 2022, to learn more about proposed changes to Bruns Lane from Jefferson Street to North Grand Avenue. The exhibits that were presented that evening are now available below. Please scroll through each link since there are multiple pages for each phase. After viewing the proposed improvements, you may submit your comments and feedback to feedback@springfield.il.us. Comments will be accepted through Friday, October 14 at 5:00 pm

This fall (2022), the City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works is performing an asphalt overlay on Bruns Lane from Jefferson Street to North Grand Avenue. In 2023, Public Works will complete an asphalt overlay from North Grand Avenue to Veterans Parkway.

The existing typical section is a four (4) lane section, with two lanes in each direction - north and south. In order to improve safety, the City is planning on performing a road diet as part of the improvements. The proposed road diet converts a road to a three (3) lane segment consisting of two (2) through lanes, a center, bidirectional turn lane, and bike lanes.

The type of accidents, as well as the overall Average Daily Traffic County (ADT) are similar to that of the Walnut Street Safety Improvements Project from South Grand Avenue to Capitol Avenue, therefore it should have a similar effect on Bruns Lane. The ADT is based on the traffic count located on the Illinois Department of Transportation website.

Road diets are a low cost solution resulting in traffic calming effects as well as inviting bicycle and pedestrian accommodations along the corridor.

The following are the proposed improvements for Bruns Lane. Please review and share your comments via email to feedback@springfield.il.us. Questions? Please contact the Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255.

The City of Springfield held a public informational meeting concerning the proposed improvements along Koke Mill Road from Washington Street to Old Jacksonville Road. The following information was shared at the open house on April 4, 2022.

Residents may share their comments about the proposed improvements to feedback@springfield.il.us Questions? Contact Nate Bottom, Director of Public Works at 217.789.2255 or Kristin Timmons with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly at 217.787.8050.

The City of Springfield is in the preliminary engineering phase of a study regarding the improvements to Hedley Road from Koke Mill Road to W. White Oaks Drive. The design phase of this project is scheduled to begin in 2022.

On August 2, 2021, the City of Springfield held an Open House for residents to review the information, ask questions, and provide their comments on the project. Feedback for this phase was accepted thru August 16, 2021.

As the project progresses, this webpage will be updated with announcements and information. If you have questions or other comments about the design phase of Hedley Road, please email: feedback@springfield.il.us.

On August 11, 2021, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) hosted a public information Open House for the Phase I preliminary engineering and environmental study to improve MacArthur Boulevard from Wabash/Stanford Avenue to South Grand. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the project to the community, present a Project Purpose and Need Statement, review the existing conditions along the corridor, outline the anticipated project schedule, and gather public input.

IDOT has created a website dedicated to the project. To submit your written comments along with viewing updates from IDOT about MacArthur Boulevard, please visit their website, https://www.macarthurblvdspringfield.org/. Additional information about the project can be found below.

The City of Springfield held a public informational meeting regarding the proposed safety improvements for Lawrence Avenue including the intersections for MacArthur Boulevard and Walnut Street, on August 24, 2022, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street. This is the second meeting for this safety project where modified section designs will be shared with the community. The first hearing took place on December 6, 2021.

For those who were unable to attend the open house, information is available below. Comments may be submitted via email to feedback@springfield.il.us or via U.S. Mail to the Office of Public Works, Attn: T.J. Heavisides, 300 South 7th Street, 2nd Floor, Springfield, IL 62701. All comments must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

The Franklin’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii) is a state-threatened species protected by the Illinois Endangered Species Act that lives along the Sangamon Valley Trail. This colony is the largest concentration of Franklin’s ground squirrels known to exist in the state.

The City of Springfield will be implementing measures along Archer Elevator Road, from Wabash Avenue to Greenbriar Drive, to conserve and protect the ground squirrels before, during and after construction. But to ensure the squirrel’s continued survival in Springfield, we need your help! Download our information packet here.

The populations of Franklin’s ground squirrel have dwindled approaching levels of concern. Sangamon County, the Springfield Park District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Friends of the Sangamon Valley, and the University of Illinois Springfield have done conservation work along the Sangamon Valley Trail and Centennial Park. To support their investment and limit the impact to the ground squirrel as a result of the project, the City will carry out various mitigation and conservation measures.

Franklin’s ground squirrels disperse the seeds of many plant species, and as a prey animal they have an impact on predator populations, including the red-tailed hawk, red fox, badger, coyote, striped skunk, and long-tailed weasel. It is remarkable that the Franklin’s ground squirrel has been able to survive in a rapidly developing part of Springfield. Let’s help our special neighbors!

How can you help conserve the Franklin’s ground squirrel in Southwest Springfield? Here are a few helpful tips.

• Look out and slow down - When you are commuting along Archer Elevator Road, be sure to keep an eye out for Franklin’s ground squirrels. Adhering to the posted speed limit will decrease the likelihood of collision with ground squirrels (and other wildlife) and will in turn increase the ground squirrel’s chance of survival. These ground squirrels are most active during bright sunny days.
• Spread the word - Educate your family, friends and neighbors about the presence of our state-threatened Franklin’s ground squirrel in southwest Springfield and how they can help protect the species.
• Provide Support – Support local habitat conservation projects by the Springfield Park District.

The City of Springfield is proposing to make improvements to Martin Luther King Jr Dr. between South Grand Avenue and up to the existing intersection of Clear Lake Avenue. The project includes lane reconfigurations to reduce four existing traffic lanes to a proposed three traffic lanes and two bike lanes. The project includes improvements to the intersection of South Grand Ave including signal upgrades. Signal upgrades will also be made at Cook Street. The project will resurface the roadway from South Grand Ave to Adams St. and restripe the roadway up to Clear Lake Ave. The improvements will include resident and business commercial entrance consolidations for safety and ADA sidewalk improvement at intersections.

Residents were invited to attend a public open house on March 7th, 2024, to learn more about safety improvement project on Carpenter Street at the intersections with 5th and 6th Streets. The exhibits that were presented that evening are now available below.

As the project progresses, this webpage will be updated with announcements and information. If you have questions or other comments about updates to Carpenter Street Improvements 5th Street and 6th Street Intersections, please email: feedback@springfield.il.us.

From April 7 to May 3, Springfield residents can drop off yard wast bags for FREE at Evans Recycling. Evans Recycling is located at 2100 J. David Jones Parkway and is open Monday-Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday, 7:00 am–12-noon. Evans Recycling’s contact number is 217.370.3780. Smaller branches may also be broken up and placed in yard waste bags or containers as part of the City's bi-weekly yard waste pick-up.

For questions, contact Evans Recycling at 217.370.3780 or the Springfield Public Works Department at 217.789.2255 or public.works@springfield.il.us.

The Department of Public Works announces the 2025 dates for the Branch Pickup Program and Christmas Tree Pickup. This program, conducted in quadrants, takes place four times a year. Please note that this program is separate from the bi-weekly Leaf Pickup Program, which is contracted to Lake Area.

In January, Christmas trees and branches will be collected during the same week. After January, the next collection will occur in April. Residents are reminded to have branches curbside during their scheduled week for collection.

January 6 Northwest - The area north of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street/J David Jones Parkway.
January 13 Southwest - The area south of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street.
January 20 Southeast - The area south of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut Street, including the properties around Lake Springfield.
January 27 Northeast - The area north of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut/J. David Jones Parkway.

April 7 Northwest - The area north of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street/J David Jones Parkway.
April 14 Southwest - The area south of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street.
April 21 Southeast - The area south of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut Street, including the properties around Lake Springfield.
April 28 Northeast - The area north of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut/J. David Jones Parkway.

July 7 Northwest - The area north of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street/J David Jones Parkway.
July 14 Southwest - The area south of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street.
July 21 Southeast - The area south of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut Street, including the properties around Lake Springfield.
July 28 Northeast - The area north of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut/J. David Jones Parkway.

October 6 Northwest - The area north of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street/J David Jones Parkway.
October 13 Southwest - The area south of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road. West of Walnut Street.
October 20 Southeast - The area south of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut Street, including the properties around Lake Springfield.
October 27 Northeast - The area north of South Grand Avenue and east of Walnut/J. David Jones Parkway.

The City’s Public Works crews utilize a grappling truck to collect a large quantity of branches at one time. Consequently, any structures around or underneath the pile may be damaged during collection. The City asks all residents to look out for and avoid placement of branches and/or yard waste on any of the following locations. This will help maintain the structural integrity and safety of our crews. Avoid placing branches and yard waste on:

• Manholes
• Handholes
• Junction Boxes
• Meter Pits
• Standpipes
• Sprinkler heads
• Inlets
• Drains
• Poles/Posts
• Guy Wires
• General Equipment or Structures
• Sidewalks
• Bike Lanes
• Boulevards

The City of Springfield will pick-up branch piles from residents:

• No larger than 3 feet in height, 4 feet in depth, and 10 feet in length;
• Piles larger than a small pick-up load will not be picked up by the city;
• The program is for branches only, no firewood or precut logs will be accepted;
• Branches/limbs trimmed by a commercial contractor will NOT be picked up;
• Branches must be placed on the curb not obstructing the street or sidewalk;
• Branches must be placed curbside by 7:00 am on Monday of the area’s pick-up week;
• Small branches may be broken up and put into yard waste bags for bi-weekly curbside pick-up; and
• Branches are NOT allowed on center boulevards.

As a reminder, branch drop off is free to City residents, with ID, all year long. This service is for City residents only and not for commercial contractors. Evans Recycling is located at 2100 J. David Jones Parkway and is open Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday, 7:00 am – 12-noon. Evans Recycling’s contact number is 217.370.3780.

As a reminder, the city's branch pick-up is a DIFFERENT program from the city’s bi-weekly yard waste pick up program, click here for more information on yard waste pickup. The branch pick-up program now takes place four times a year.

For questions about the City of Springfield yard waste and branch pickup, please call the Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255 or email public.works@springfield.il.us.

View Larger Map

In partnership with the Springfield Park District and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), the City of Springfield’s upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Residential Drop-off program will be on Saturday, September 27, 2025 and open to all Illinois residents. The event is from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Chamberlin Park. Residents MUST register online in advance for a drop off time and to receive a voucher. Upon arrival, resident must show their voucher on their mobile device or have a printed copy of the voucher available. Registration will open on Monday, August 4, 2025 and it will close on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Resident Requirements & Event Details

The City of Springfield in partnership with the IEPA is hosting a VOUCHER ONLY Household Hazardous Waste Collection on at Chamberlin Park. The program is offered to ALL Illinois residents. Residents who are participating in the drop off MUST have a voucher in-hand or available on the their mobile device in order to dispose of their materials. Vouchers will be required at time of drop off.

How to obtain a voucher:

• Participants must be a resident of the State of Illinois
• Residents must fill out the form below or contact the Office of Public Works by calling 217.789.2255.
• Residents must include the online form or provide at the time of calling:
  • Full name
  • Contact phone number
  • Email Address
  • City of residence
  • Type of items that will be dropped off

Upon registering residents will be given the option to email or print their voucher

• Email – voucher will be sent to email provided for mobile device download.
• Print – allows resident to print at home or work.

On the day of the drop off, if you arrive early, miss your time slot, or misplace your voucher, you will be sent to the overflow traffic lane and will have to wait for the next available time slot.

Restrictions:

• Program is not open to businesses, institutions and not-for-profit organizations
• Vouchers are limited to one per residence. Vouchers may not be combined for delivery.
• Vouchers are valid for time slot listed only.

Drop off location:

• Collection will take place at Chamberlin Park. Enter on Adams Street, and follow the direction of the traffic wardens and designated signs. Stay in your lane. Exit through Mc Creery Ave.

Safety Requirements:

• ALL participants must stay in their vehicles at all times as soon as they enter the park and until they leave the park.
• At the collection point, designated staff will unload HHW items from the resident’s vehicle. It is suggested that items be placed in the trunk of vehicle or bed of truck for easier access and removal.
• If an items label cannot be read, please relabel and/or place in new container and label.
• Please make sure to put your items in a container you are willing to part with. We cannot ensure that containers will be returned.

Residents who have questions regarding the program or any items listed or not listed may contact the Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255 or email to public.works@springfield.il.us.

Individuals wanting to properly dispose of their household hazardous waste sooner are encouraged to check the IEPA website. There you will find a listing of other events around the area that are open to all residents.

Household Hazardous Wastes are materials and chemicals that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, or explosive. They typically cannot be safely recycled or disposed of without a special center or collection event. These wastes can be a serious threat to water supplies and our local environment if they are improperly discarded with nonhazardous trash (put into a municipal solid waste landfill), dumped down the drain, or illegally dumped elsewhere. The City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works holds an annual hazardous waste drop off in accordance with EPA guidelines and regulations. Over the past couple years, the City has partnered with the IEPA to host a co-sponsored collection open to ALL Illinois residents. This program is for residents only and does not include businesses, organizations, or institutions.

• HHW Alternatives and Latex Paint Disposal
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The City of Springfield is offering bi-weekly CURBSIDE yard waste/leaf pickup to residents within the corporate limits of Springfield. The City is divided into two zones – South and North – and each neighborhood will receive one pickup every other week, throughout the year.

Please Note: Properties located west of Veterans Parkway/north of Iles are now part of the NORTH Zone.

• South Zone – area south of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road, including residential areas around the lake.
• North Zone – area north of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road, including properties west of Veterans Parkway/north of Iles Avenue.

The updated schedule can be found below. You can also download the 2025 calendar year pickup schedule by clicking here.

Residents may use brown paper yard waste bags or hard plastic containers for their yard waste. If using hard plastic containers, please make sure the containers are clearly marked with “YW” or "Yard Waste". Stickers are NOT required for this program. The weight of your bag or container can be no more than 50 lbs.

The City’s vendor for this program is Lake Area Disposal. If you believe your bags/containers were missed, email springfieldyw@lakeareadisposal.com.

If you have questions about the program, please contact the City’s Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255.

A map showing the status of pickups in each Zone is located at the bottom of this page. Yard waste must be placed curbside by 6:00 am on the Monday of your pickup week.

Those located in the western portion of the zone will be picked up in the beginning half of the week while those located in the eastern part of their zone will be picked up in the later part of the week.

Calendar Year 2025 Dates for Yard Waste 2025 Pickup Weeks, Based on a Monday Start.

North Weeks:
March 24
April 7, April 21
May 5, May 19
June 2, June 16, June 30
July 14, July 28
August 11, August 25
September 8, September 22
October 6, October 20
November 3, November 17
December 1, December 15, December 29

South Weeks:
March 31
April 14, April 28
May 12, May 26
June 9, June 23
July 7, July 21
August 4, August 18
September 1, September 15, September 29
October 13, October 27
November 10, November 24
December 8, December 22

The City’s Public Works is reminding residents to please watch where you place your yard waste bags, containers and branches. Any structures around or underneath these items may be damaged during collection. To help maintain the structural integrity of items and for the safety of our crews, please avoid placing yard waste and branches on:

• Manholes
• Handholes
• Junction Boxes
• Meter Pits
• Standpipes
• Sprinkler heads
• Inlets
• Drains
• Poles/Posts
• Guy Wires
• General Equipment or Structures
• Sidewalks
• Bike Lanes
• Boulevards

If you feel your house or neighborhood was missed during your pick up week, or have questions about the pickup schedule, please email springfieldyw@lakeareadisposal.com.

All other inquiries, please contact Public Works at 217.789.2255 or public.works@springfield.il.us

Yard waste is composed of grass clippings, leaves, weeds, plant trimmings, small amounts of loose soil/dirt, and/or small twigs and branches.

No plastic bags can be used and yard waste must be free of contamination including food, rocks, large branches, flower pots/trays, animal droppings and street waste. It is the responsibility of residents to keep their yard waste free of contaminants. If contaminants are found, yard waste will not be collected.

Metal cans and overweight containers or bags will not be picked up.

Crews will place a sticker on any bag or container that does not meet the criteria and residents will be asked to re-bag their leaves.

Other details about the program:

• All bags in compliance will be picked up and there is no need to call to schedule the service.
• Do not remove the bagged leaves from the curb once you place them there.
• Bags should be placed at the end of driveways or on parkways between the sidewalk and street.
• Yard Waste bags will NOT be picked up in the alley and must be placed curbside.
• Leaves should be placed in paper yard waste bags—not grocery sacks or boxes.
• Do not use any type of tape on the bag to seal it shut as the tape is not recyclable.
• Plastic bags are not accepted.
• Yard waste stickers do not need to be placed on the bags during this collection period.
• Residents should be advised that sweeping leaves into the street is a city violation and doing so could result in a fine.

The City of Springfield yard waste/leaf pick-up is DIFFERENT from the City’s branch pick-up program. Branch pick-up takes place 4 times each calendar year and follows a preset schedule. For more information on the City’s branch pick-up program, click here. As a reminder, smaller branches and twigs may be broken up and placed in yard waste bags or containers for bi-weekly curbside pick-up.

The Office of Public Works offers an electronic recycling drop off program for all City residents. BLH Computers is the electronic drop off provider and is located at 1832 Adlai Stevenson Drive. Regular recycling hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm and Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Electronic items in the “unlimited” category below are accepted with no restriction on quantity and may be dropped off to BLH Computers.

PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU DO NOT PAY THE $4.50 WASTE AND RECYCLING FEE, THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU.

UNLIMITED - Residency verification not required:

The “limited” category is new this year and was created so residents now have the ability to drop off televisions and/or CRT (tube) monitors at no cost. These drop offs are restricted to only three (3) types of these items per calendar year, per residence, with residency verification. A resident who brings in more than the allotted three items in the “limited” category will be charged the regular fee, with in-store coupon incentive, as set and required by BLH Computers.

Since this service is free only to residents within the corporate limits of Springfield, a Voucher is required and will be done at BLH at the time of drop-off. The Voucher is created with proof of residency that must be provided to BLH staff (driver’s license or photo ID). Questions about the Voucher program? Please call the Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255 or BLH at 217.585.1580.

LIMITED - Residency verification required and limited to 3 items per calendar year:

If an item is not listed, please call BLH Computers at 217.585.1580 to see if it can be accepted.

Springfield’s “Room-to-Room Guide to Household Reuse and Recycling” provides guidance on how to get rid of unwanted household items. This handy booklet lists more than 150 different items/materials and where to donate them in the Springfield area so they will be reused or recycled and not landfilled. From eye glasses to wire hangers, office machines to tools, you will be amazed at the number and type of items organizations and businesses in and around the City of Springfield will gladly accept. Can’t find what you are looking for? Call the Office of Public Works: Waste & Recycling at 217.789.2255.

Click here to view the guide online.

The following list are other outside resources to help residents safely dispose of their unwanted items.

DISCLAIMER: These sites listed are for informational purposes only. The City of Springfield does not endorse any of these entities nor their services. If you’d like to suggest other resources for our Waste & Recycling Guide, please contact Kristina LoRusso at Kristina.LoRusso@springfield.il.us.

• Sold Waste Recycling and Disposal
• How Do I Recycle? Common Recyclables
• Sustain Springfield Green Map

While the City’s waste haulers are obligated to take everything in and around garbage bins that are properly bagged, curbside recycling is a different program that uses two different recycling techniques and has contamination requirements. The Office of Public Works has created a document to help residents understand why certain recyclables may be left behind. Click here.

Fee Brochure
Why Recycle?

Curbside recycling is available at no additional cost for city residents living in single family homes of 3 units or less that pay for garbage can pick-up. On site recycling for multi-unit buildings of 3 units or more, requires agreement between property owner and waste hauler.

Preparation Guidelines: Items that contained food should be rinsed out but thorough cleaning is unnecessary. All lids should be kept on containers; labels may remain. Some haulers will take mixed materials with no sorting needed - others require some sorting and separation of materials. Call your waste hauler for details on their requirements.

Pickup Location: all garbage and recycling is picked up curbside unless owner’s property has alley access. In the case of alley access, garbage and recycling receptacles should be placed and picked up in the alley.

Items Accepted:

• Paper - newspapers, junk mail, magazines, and chip board (single-ply cardboard used for cereal, tissue, magazines, and soda boxes).
• Plastic - all plastic containers labeled #1-7, except #6.
• Metal - food cans & aluminum beverage cans
• Glass - all colors of glass are recyclable. Only bottles and jars that food or drink came in are acceptable. No glass window panes, dishware, or ceramics.
• Cardboard - some haulers only accept limited amounts of cardboard for curbside or alley pickup. For large quantities, check with your hauler or take to waste haulers drop off recycling facility.

Any questions please contact the Office of Public Works 217.789.2255

Springfield residents may drop off recycling items at their waste haulers designated location with proof of identification. Drop off locations are for customers of the waste haulers operating each facility, and residents are encouraged to contact their waste haulers directly should they have any questions regarding this service

Residents who live in multi-unit buildings may also take advantage of their waste haulers drop off location.

Following is the listing of the area waste haulers drop off recycling facilities.

Lake Area Disposal Service
2742 S. 6th Street
Monday through Friday
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Phone: 217.522.9271
Email: comments@lakeareadisposal.com

Republic Services
Sangamon Valley Landfill
2565 Sandhill Road
Monday through Friday
7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Phone: 217.528.9256
Email: lpainter@republicservices.com

• Batteries: Can be taken to several electric retailers and/or recyclers, including Rexx Battery at 2945 E. Clear Lake Ave. 217.789.6049  (accepts most batteries except alkalines), BLH Computers, Inc. at 1832 Stevenson Dr. 217.585.7580 (accepts most batteries except alkalines), Springfield Battery Co. at 2645 E. Cook St. 217.523.7031 (accepts large batteries such as car, truck, marine vehicle and lead batteries). Alkaline batteries are no longer banned from Illinois landfills and can be disposed in regular trash. Call local business for details.
• Carpet and Padding: Can be taken to Staff Carpet at 304 W. Browning Rd. 217.528.4879. If you have not purchased new carpet from Staff, the cost is $50.00. If you have purchased new carpet from Staff, recycling is free. Call for details.
• Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL): Can be taken to Springfield Electric at 700 N. 9th St. 217.788.2100, US Electric at 301 North 1st St. 217.522.3347, as well as Lowe's and Menards Locations. Call local business for details.
• Dehumidifier: Can be taken to Habitat for Humanity at 2744 S. 6th St. 217.523.2710 & Springfield Iron & Metal at 930 N. Wolfe St. 217.544.7131. Call local business for details.
• Fire Extinguisher: Release pressure in fire extinguisher and let sit for a few days prior to throwing away in regular trash. If unsure on chemical makeup of fire extinguisher, take to AEC Fire Safety & Security at 3003 Stanton St. 217.529.3003- they will look over and access.
• Gasoline: Safely store old gasoline until next City Household Hazardous Waste collection event or call Office of Public Works 217.789.2255.
• Holiday Lights: Can be taken to BLH Computers, Inc. at 1832 Stevenson Dr. 217.585.7580 all year round. Call for details.
• Humidifier: Can be taken to BLH Computers, Inc. at 1832 Stevenson Dr. 217.585.7580 or Habitat for Humanity at 2744 S. 6th St. 217.523.2710. Call local business for details.
• Latex Paint: Residents can legally and safely put latex paint in the trash once it has been completely dried out. It is important to solidify latex paint to avoid environmental or water contamination problems. Most effective means of drying latex paint is to pour it out in thin layers on a disposable material, such as old newspapers or cardboard. Allow each layer to dry then dispose of in regular trash.
• Medication: Can be taken to the pharmacy at Walgreens at 2020 South MacArthur Boulevarde. 217.744.1880 (accepts all prescription and non-prescription drugs) as well as County Market pharmacy located at 1903 W. Monroe St. 217.546.8671 or 3001 South Veterans Parkway. 217.793.3773. Call local business for details.
• Microwaves: Can be taken to Ley Metals Recycling, Inc. at 3000 N. Peoria Rd. 217.523.7676 or F&W Resources at 3327 Terminal Avenue 217.525.1206. Call local business for details.
• Propane Tanks & Bottles: All bottles or tanks must be emptied prior to disposal. Small green 16-20 oz. camping bottles can be thrown away in regular trash. Another option is to remove the top valve and take to Mervis Recycling located at 1100 South 9th Street 217.753.1492. If bottle or tank is larger than 20 oz., contact the Illinois Propane Gas Association for drop off referrals 217.525.8000
• Tires: Can be taken to various service stations, including Johnson & Johnson Auto Service Center at 1325 Stevenson Dr. 217.529.9200 and Midtown Tire and Auto Service at 2110 Clear Lake Ave. 217.525.1395. Each store charges between $2 and $5 to get rid of one standard-sized tire. Call local business for details.
• Smoke Detector: Smoke detectors older than 1990 have small traces of radiation and other harmful chemicals. To dispose, contact the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) at 2200 South Dirksen Parkway. 800.782.7860. For smoke detectors after 1990, dispose in regular waste stream.
• Used Motor Oil: Can be taken to various service stations, including all Auto Zone locations in Springfield as well as Johnson & Johnson Auto Service Center at 1325 Adlai Stevenson Dr. 217.529.9200. Each location has limits and charges. Call local business for details.

If you have a question about recycling item not listed above, please contact the Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255 or email public.works@springfield.il.us.

Freecycle

Is a free service matching up people who need to get rid of an item/s with those who are in need of an item/s. Anyone with access to a computer can visit the Freecycle website at https://www.freecycle.org/ and search Springfield, IL to find items listed near you. Every item listed must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.