See How it Works

The City of Crystal Lake’s goal is to provide cost effective and quality services to the public.  The City contracts with a single hauler for residential curbside refuse, recycling and yard waste collection. 

Please click on the following link for an inside look at how Lakeshore Recycling System's one-pass trucks operate: One-Pass Truck Video. 

Rate Information

The base rate includes weekly collection of refuse, recycling, yard waste, and one bulk item per week.  Invoices are sent quarterly, and residents can pay online, over the phone, or through the mail.  A copy of identification showing proof of age is required to qualify for the senior rate.  Residents must be 65 years of age or older to qualify for the senior rate. 

 Monthly Rates  Single   Family  Senior   Rate  Multi-   Family 
 Base Rate (includes refuse, recycling and one bulk  item per week)  $19.77  $17.82  $15.83
 Optional Yard Waste Tote (billed   quarterly for 12 months)  $3.00  $3.00  $3.00
 Each Additional Refuse/Recycling Tote   (optional)  $3.00  $3.00  $3.00


Additional Services

 White Goods  $35.00 per item
 Additional Bulk Item  $25.00 per item
 Special Collection  $20.00 per cubic yard
 Water Based Paint  $30.00 and 5 gallon limit per pickup.   $4.00 for each additional gallon. 
 Household Organic   Compost Container  $15.00
 Electronics Drop-Off  Free
 Household Chemicals  (must call ahead)  $30.00

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection will begin the first full week of April each year and ends the second full week of December. Residents may use biodegradable paper bags or a yard waste tote offered by Lakeshore Recycling Systems. Residents may also use their own container to set out yard waste. Lakeshore Recycling Systems is not responsible for damage to a personal yard waste bin during the collection process. The maximum weight allowed per yard waste bin is 50 pounds. 

Holiday Collection Schedule 2024

Scheduled collections that fall on or after an observed holiday will be delayed by one day during the week of the holiday.  For example, if a holiday falls on a Monday, collection will be delayed by one day throughout the week, with Friday collection taking place on Saturday. Below is the 2024 holiday schedule:

  • New Year's Day: Monday, January 1, 2024
  • Memorial Day: Monday, May 27, 2024
  • Independence Day: Thursday, July 4, 2024
  • Labor Day: Monday, September 2, 2024
  • Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28, 2024
  • Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (collection delayed by one day during the week following the holiday)

Disposal of Needles and Sharps

The City of Crystal lake City Hall, Police Department, and Fire Rescue Department do not accept used needles and sharps for their disposal or take back. Disposal locations for these items can be found in the McHenry County Green Guide.