Liquid Waste Fee

Section 11-4-140 of the Chicago Municipal Code requires liquid waste generators to report all quantities of liquid waste generated each year, and to pay a fee of $0.025 per gallon of liquid waste if at least 360 gallons of such waste was generated during the reporting period. Liquid waste generators are considered to have generated liquid waste when they containerize, manifest and transport liquid special waste off-site. Liquid waste is special waste as defined by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and includes hazardous waste, industrial process waste, pollution control waste, and potentially infectious medical waste that has free liquids.

All liquid waste fees are due each year by January 31st and must be paid through the City’s online permit portal.

Failure to report generated liquid waste can subject the generator to fines under the Municipal Code. Any fee due under Section 11-4-140 constitutes a debt due the City. The City may bring an action to recover the amount of the unpaid fee plus penalties and interest for failure to complete and timely submit the required forms due for the current and prior periods and for failure to pay the corresponding fees. Liquid waste generators are also subject to penalties for failure to complete and timely submit the required forms even when no payment is due.

If you have any questions about liquid waste fees, please call 312.758.5041 or email Donavan.Tietje@cityofchicago.org.