SWALCO to Host Household Chemical Waste Collection Event

Attention North Chicago Residents! SWALCO is hosting a household chemical waste mobile event in Lake Forest on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Lake Forest Municipal Services building (800 N Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045).

This event will run from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and appointments are required. Click here to schedule an appointment. OR scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule an appointment. Please note that Household Chemical Waste mobile events are by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

According to SWALCO, “Real-time online appointment scheduling makes our services easily accessible and gives you control over appointments. The appointment scheduler works online and on mobile devices, allowing you to book an appointment at your convenience. In addition, appointments allow for the safe and efficient planning, coordinating, and controlling of incoming household chemical waste and visiting vehicles. Safety is crucial during your visit. Please stay in your vehicle.”

Collections are for residential waste only. No business waste will be accepted. All SWALCO HCW Collection Events are free for Illinois residents.

Review the accepted Household Chemical Waste items here 

Accepted Materials

SWALCO will collect paint at this event. Residents can also use PaintCare's Drop-Off Site Locator to find a list of all the retailers who have partnered with PaintCare to accept leftover paint from the public. Please call ahead to confirm business hours and ask if they can accept the type and amount of paint you would like to recycle.

The following batteries are accepted at mobile HCW events:

Single-Use Non-Rechargeable Alkaline and Primary Batteries: AAA, AA, C, D, 9v & 6v, Lithium, Zinc-Air, Zinc-Carbon, Zinc Chloride, and button batteries labeled CR/SR/LR

Non-Automotive and Non-Marine Lead Acid Batteries: Backup sump pump, riding lawn mower, and small sealed lead acid batteries

Rechargeable Batteries: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Other items you can bring to a collection include: CFL bulbs, household cleaners, gasoline, garden chemicals, and pesticides. For a more detailed list, visit SWALCO's HCW Accepted Items webpage. For a more detailed list, visit SWALCO's HCW Accepted Items webpage.