Environment and Sustainability
Department Mission
To foster healthy, resilient and thriving communities by improving the quality of life, protecting the environment and promoting sustainability and environmental justice for all Cook County residents and stakeholders.
Mandates and Key Activities
- Enforce Cook County Environmental Control Ordinance
- Implement Illinois EPA cooperative agreements on pollution control, inspection
- Administer U.S. EPA, DOE and other grant agreements
- Permit and inspect industrial and commercial fuel-burning equipment, asbestos abatement, demolition, solid waste facilities, open burning and facilities that store hazardous chemicals for environmental compliance
- Investigate citizen complaints and ordinance violations
- Reduce waste in energy, materials and water
- Prepare solid waste plan for suburban Cook County
- Monitor air quality for the U.S. EPA
- Manage sustainability and climate resiliency initiatives that support residents and municipalities
Permits
You may apply for permits online – see the menu at right on this page. If you need help, email contact information can be found on each page.
Certificate of Operations (COO)
Annual payment for a Certificate of Operation (COO) is required if your commercial or industrial facility operates any fuel-burning equipment, process equipment, storage tanks or air pollution control devices. All payments for your COO shall be submitted through the electronic permit processing portal. Further details can be found here.
Environmental Complaints
You may register environmental complaints here.
Sustainability in Cook County
Have you seen Cook County’s sustainability webpage?
At Cook County we want to lead by example. On the page you’ll find information about County projects to lower our environmental footprint and our costs.
Highlights and Announcements
We have launched a new online portal to streamline the submission of environmental complaints from the public. This web-based form simplifies the reporting process for residents and businesses, making it easier and more efficient to report concerns like illegal dumping, demolition dust or asbestos-related issues.
The new portal empowers the public by providing a direct and accessible tool. Users can provide detailed information and upload photos directly from their computer or mobile device, which helps ensure environmental regulations are followed across Cook County.
All environmental complaints for areas in suburban Cook County, excluding areas within Chicago city limits, should be submitted through the portal, which can be accessed here.
We are excited to announce the release of two new informational flyers from the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES). These resources are designed to help residents, businesses and contractors better understand our services, permitting processes and commitment to a healthier environment for all Cook County communities.
1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Flyer
This flyer provides clear answers to common questions about demolition, asbestos abatement, open burn permits and Certificates of Operation. Learn how to apply for permits, register as an asbestos contractor and make payments through our convenient online portals. Contact information is included for any additional support you may need.
2. Department Overview Flyer
Discover the mission and key activities of DES. This flyer highlights our dedication to environmental quality, public health, sustainable development, air quality monitoring, solid waste planning and brownfield remediation. It also explains the permitting process for various activities, including air pollution sources, open burning, recycling facilities and more. Find out how you can file environmental complaints, access air quality data and join us in our sustainability initiatives.
We encourage you to review these resources to stay informed about our programs, permitting requirements and how DES is working to create a cleaner, safer Cook County.
For more information or assistance, please email environment@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-8200.
County officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Cook County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility at South Suburban College in South Holland. County residents will be able to dispose of hard to recycle items including household chemicals, rechargeable batteries, oil-based paints, solvents, medications, fluorescent light bulbs, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, auto fluids, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, aerosol cans and lawn, pool and hobby chemicals at the HHW facility. The facility is scheduled to open in fall 2025 and will serve as a complement to the existing CHaRM Center where residents can dispose of electronics, polystyrene foam, clothing and textiles, personal healthcare equipment and general household recycling materials.