Streets & Sanitation
The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) is one of the the largest non-emergency departments working towards enhancing the overall cleanliness and safety of the community’s streets and alleys. DSS responds to an average of one million service requests per year making a difference in communities across the city.
- For damaged, cracked and uneven sidewalks, please call the 25th Ward Office (773-523-4100) to make a report. The Department of Transportation will conduct a survey to determine the best avenue for repair.Â
- Sidewalks can be fixed through different avenues of funding including:Â
- Aldermanic Menu Funds: Click Here Submit Request Online
- 50/50 Shared Sidewalk Program: Click HereÂ
Street Cleaning happens every year from April 1st to mid-November (weather permitting) between the hours of 9 am - 2 pm on scheduled dates. Orange signs are posted by the Department of Streets and Sanitation 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled street cleaning day as a reminder to residents. We encourage residents to sign up for email reminders by Clicking Here to avoid being ticketed.
Note: Residents interested in organizing a community clean-up, can contact our office for support with materials.
According to the City of Chicago Municipal Code, it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. If you do not own your residential or business property, consult your rental agreement, lease agreement, or management company to determine your shoveling obligation. More frequently asked questions can be found on the brochure here.   Views
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- Buildings with less than 4 units have regularly scheduled weekly pickups. To find out when your scheduled pick-up day is for trash and recycling (every other week), Click Here
- Owners of apartment buildings with 5 or more units must provide sufficient garbage containers for all tenants and arrange for private or licensed scavenger pick-up service.
In 2023, the Department of Streets and Sanitation - Bureau of Forestry has increased its tree trimming crews and has moved to a citywide area tree trimming program beginning Spring 2023. This means crews are able to trim all trees in one geographic area at the same time, creating a more efficient and equitable process for Chicago residents, and allowing for the proper maintenance of the City’s overall urban tree canopy. Please note, the City is no longer accepting individual tree trimming requests and any such requests received in 2022 have been moved to the new area tree trimming program. Note that DSS is working to complete any requests still pending from 2021.
- If there is a tree that is covering a light or interfering with electrical wires, please contact the ward office to expedite such requests.
- One of the ways the City is carrying out the Climate Action Plan here in Chicago is through the Our Roots Chicago project, with the goal to improve the tree canopy in every neighborhood. If you would like a tree planted in your parkway, requests can be made through 311. Make sure to leave your contact information for the Bureau of Forestry to be able to contact the owner with any updates.
- For damaged, cracked and uneven sidewalks, please call the 25th Ward Office (773-523-4100) to make a report. The Department of Transportation will conduct a survey to determine the best avenue for repair.
- Sidewalks can be fixed through different avenues of funding including:
- Aldermanic Menu Funds:Â Click HereÂ
Submit Request Online - 50/50 Shared Sidewalk Program:Â Click HereÂ
Street Cleaning happens every year from April 1st to mid-November (weather permitting) between the hours of 9 am – 2 pm on scheduled dates. Orange signs are posted by the Department of Streets and Sanitation 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled street cleaning day as a reminder to residents. We encourage residents to sign up for email reminders by Clicking Here to avoid being ticketed.
Note: Residents interested in organizing a community clean-up, can contact our office for support with materials.
According to the City of Chicago Municipal Code, it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. If you do not own your residential or business property, consult your rental agreement, lease agreement, or management company to determine your shoveling obligation. More frequently asked questions can be found on the brochure here.   Views
- Buildings with less than 4 units have regularly scheduled weekly pickups. To find out when your scheduled pick-up day is for trash and recycling (every other week), Click Here
- Owners of apartment buildings with 5 or more units must provide sufficient garbage containers for all tenants and arrange for private or licensed scavenger pick-up service.
In 2023, the Department of Streets and Sanitation – Bureau of Forestry has increased its tree trimming crews and has moved to a citywide area tree trimming program beginning Spring 2023. This means crews are able to trim all trees in one geographic area at the same time, creating a more efficient and equitable process for Chicago residents, and allowing for the proper maintenance of the City’s overall urban tree canopy. Please note, the City is no longer accepting individual tree trimming requests and any such requests received in 2022 have been moved to the new area tree trimming program. Note that DSS is working to complete any requests still pending from 2021.
- If there is a tree that is covering a light or interfering with electrical wires, please contact the ward office to expedite such requests.
- One of the ways the City is carrying out the Climate Action Plan here in Chicago is through the Our Roots Chicago project, with the goal to improve the tree canopy in every neighborhood. If you would like a tree planted in your parkway, requests can be made through 311. Make sure to leave your contact information for the Bureau of Forestry to be able to contact the owner with any updates.
