Public Works crews normally pick up $25-per-loader-bucket bulk every other week, alternating with recycling pickup, on the same week as leaves, garden trimmings, brush pickup, for Solid Waste Program customers. Bulk is also picked up during spring and fall free bulk pickups at no additional charge. While spring and fall free bulk pickups typically take place during the first two weeks of May and October, Public Works will post additional information prior to each free bulk pickup. Pickup schedules are subject to change, especially during spring and fall free bulk pickups, fall leaf collection, and inclement weather. Bulk is not picked up on municipal holidays. Public Works will post additional information prior to each holiday. Click here to download the Leaf, Brush, Trimmings, & Bulk Pickup 2024 Calendar.

Solid Waste Program customers are charged a monthly cart fee to participate in the program. Click here to view more information on utility fees. The Solid Waste Program also funds various locations for customers to drop off recycling, leaves, brush, garden trimmings, bulk, electronics, and household hazardous waste through the Citizen Convenience Center, Drop Box Recycling Program, Self-Service Electronics Recycling, and Household Hazardous Waste disposal events.

Acceptable & Unacceptable Materials

Below is a list of acceptable and unacceptable materials for curbside bulk pickup. For information on how to dispose of specific items, view Recycle Coach below, download the Recycle Coach app available on the App Store and Google Play, email publicworks@cityblm.org, or call 309-434-2225 during regular business hours. Click here to download a PDF with this information.

*While these materials can be collected curbside or dropped off at the Citizen Convenience Center, they are not included in bulk. Customers must call Public Works at 309-434-2225 for an estimate and to schedule a pickup for curbside pickup or an estimate will be provided at the Citizen Convenience Center when dropped off. The charge is the same for curbside and drop off. These materials must be cleaned so that they do not contain dirt.

Do's and Don'ts

The do’s and don’ts listed below are additional requirements to improve safety, efficiency, and cost. Any materials placed out for pickup that do not follow these requirements will be picked up, but the customer will be billed for the entire cost of the pickup. Click here to download a PDF with this information.

1. Only materials generated by the resident or homeowner will be collected by City crews. Commercial waste is not acceptable.
2. Materials must be placed in the parkway (typically the area between the sidewalk and the curb) or at the end of the driveway near the street (especially if cars park along the street during the day) no earlier than 2 p.m. on the day prior to scheduled pickup and no later than 6 a.m. on the day of pickup. 
3. Materials must be placed at least 4 feet from garbage or recycling carts, other solid waste materials (including leaves, brush, and garden trimmings), trees, poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, inlets, utility infrastructure, power lines, or other objects, and at least 10 feet away from vehicle parked in the street.