Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-330
Sale of garbage prohibited (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
No person shall vend or attempt to vend in the city any fruit, vegetable, or other article of food that may be decayed or partially rotten, or that may have been taken from any barrel, box, or other receptacle for the same, in any public way of the city. (Prior code § 99-26)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-330 prohibits anyone from selling or attempting to sell decayed, partially rotten, or discarded food items—such as fruits or vegetables—on any public way within the city. The rule applies regardless of whether the food was retrieved from a barrel, box, or similar container. Its effect is to keep spoiled or salvaged food out of street-level commerce in Chicago.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who oversee vendors operating on or near their premises should be aware that Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-330 bars the sale of decayed or discarded food in any public way. Compliant operators generally ensure that any food vending associated with their property involves only fresh, unadulterated goods and that no salvaged or spoiled items are offered for sale on adjacent public spaces. Keeping records of food sourcing and disposal practices can support a showing of compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-330 gives residents a basis to raise concerns if they observe decayed or salvaged food being sold in public ways in their neighborhood. Complaints about potential violations of this provision can generally be directed to the City of Chicago's 311 service or the relevant municipal enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations and community groups can also help residents understand how this public-health rule intersects with housing and neighborhood conditions.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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