Approaching Significant Weather Storm Alters Joliet Trash Collection

JOLIET, IL — Weather forecasters aren’t certain just how much snow an approaching winter storm will dump on the Joliet area later this week, but city officials aren’t taking any chances just the same.

Heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions are expected to hit the greater Chicago area beginning on Thursday. In preparation for what would be sub-zero wind chills and the biggest snowfall the region has seen in some time, Joliet city officials announced on Tuesday that the winter storm will alter trash pick-up for city residents.

For city residents who normally have their trash and recycling collected in alleys on Thursday and Friday, city crews will collect trash and recycling at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, the city announced.

For Joliet residents whose trash and recycling are collected curbside on Thursday and Friday, removal service will take place at 5 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Chicago area, which goes into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday and lasts until 6 a.m. Saturday.

Falling and blowing snow could cause "white-out conditions" with zero visibility at times, the weather service said.

City officials also announced that trash and recycling pick-up services will also be affected by the upcoming Christmas and New Year's Day holidays.

The city's garbage and recycling service will be one day late all week during the weeks of December 26 and January 2, due to the holidays. Joliet City Hall will be closed on December 26, Monday, January 2 in observance of the holidays, which fall on Sundays.