Condo Living Made Easy

Celebrate Earth Day—Every Day

Earth Day is here! There’s no better time for condo associations to revisit their recycling and waste disposal habits. In Chicago, putting out your trash the wrong way doesn’t just harm the environment—it can hit your budget, too. From “excess yardage” charges on garbage bills to city fines for overflowing bins, improper disposal carries real costs. The good news? There are simple, often free solutions that help your association protect the planet and your finances.

Recycling in Chicago is NOT Optional!

Recycling is required in Chicago for all residential buildings, including multi-unit buildings. This is mandated under the Chicago Recycling Ordinance, which requires property owners of multi-unit residential buildings (those with five or more units) to:

• Provide source-separated recycling (typically through Blue Cart-style bins).
• Arrange for private hauler recycling service if the building is not served by the city’s  Blue Cart Recycling program (which only covers single-family homes through four-flats).
• Educate tenants annually and upon move-in about how to recycle properly.
• Post signage about recycling near recycling bins.

Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 per day.

Be sure to only include acceptable materials such as:

• Flattened cardboard
• Paper (clean, not greasy or soiled)
• Glass bottles and jars
• Rinsed plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs
• Aluminum and steel cans

Avoid “wish-cycling” (putting non-recyclables in the bin in hopes they’ll get recycled). Common contaminants like plastic bags, greasy pizza boxes, and Styrofoam can ruin entire batches of recycling.

Pro Tip: Keep your recyclables loose in the bin—no plastic bags! And make sure all containers are empty and rinsed.

Light Bulbs, Batteries, and Electronics—Handled!

Got old batteries, light bulbs, or electronics? These items should not go in your regular trash or recycling bin. The city offers several locations and resources for safe disposal:

• CFL and fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury and should be taken to the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (1150 N. North Branch Street) or other drop off locations.
• Batteries can also be dropped off at the same locations.
• Electronics, including TVs, monitors, and computers, are banned from landfills in Illinois and can also be taken to approved drop-off locations.

What About Yard Waste, Paint, and Hazardous Items?

Chicago provides seasonal yard waste collection—just call 311 to schedule a pickup. For other hazardous materials like oil-based paint, automotive fluids, and household chemicals, the North Branch recycling facility is your best bet.

You can view full details and acceptable materials at chicago.gov/hccrf.

There are also a number of local, sustainable nonprofits organizations who are dedicated to finding good homes for our unwanted stuff! By donating your unwanted items to these organizations you are; cleaning up your space, reducing waste in the landfill, and supporting our community! See the list of Chicago changemakers looking for your unwanted goods. 

Why It Matters for Condo Associations

Improper disposal isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a budget issue. Waste removal companies often tack on fees when extra bags or bulk items are left out without proper arrangements. These show up on garbage bills as “excess yardage” charges, which can quickly add up for associations. On top of that, the City of Chicago may issue fines for bins that are overflowing or improperly used, or for failure to provide recycling services as mandated.

By educating residents about responsible recycling and disposal practices, associations can:

• Avoid unexpected costs
• Prevent fines
• Create a cleaner, more pleasant living environment

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to start fresh, rethink your building’s waste practices, and make sustainable changes that benefit everyone. Haus Financial Services cares about your finances and the environment. We help clients stay on top of budgets and expenses and avoid unnecessary costs. Get in touch with us today!

What happens when your condo or HOA board stops functioning—when board members resign, stop responding, or disappear altogether?

This situation, sometimes referred to as a “headless association,” can leave communities in limbo—without leadership, financial oversight, or the authority to make essential decisions. The recent article from CooperatorNews sheds light on this increasingly common issue, and how communities can begin to take action.

How can you tell that your board may be dysfunctional or headless? A headless board doesn’t necessarily mean there are zero board members left—it often means the board is no longer meeting, managing finances, or addressing property needs. Common warning signs include:

• Lack of communication from board members or the management company
• Unpaid bills or service disruptions
• No budgeting or planning for future expenses
• Missed annual meetings and vacant board seats

Without proper oversight, associations can quickly fall into disrepair—financially and physically.

If your association is in disarray, there are ways to restore leadership:

1. Check your governing documents for protocols around board elections and special meetings.
2. Call a special meeting if you can gather enough owners to meet quorum and nominate new board members.
3. Seek legal support if necessary, especially if the board is completely inactive.
4. Partner with experienced professionals to stabilize finances and reestablish structure.

Rebuilding a non-functioning board starts with restoring financial control. Haus Financial Services specializes in big support for small condo associations by providing budget-friendly management support designed for buildings up to 20 units. HausFS bridges the gap between self- and full-service management with a unique solution that puts your board at ease and they know exactly how to help communities recover from leadership gaps. 

Whether your board is active or teetering on the edge, it’s important to stay proactive to prevent board breakdown:

• Regularly recruit and train new members
• Maintain open communication with owners
• Find reliable professionals on Condoly who can support your board's workload
  
  

Need Help?

Chicago Condo Resource is proud to partner with organizations like Haus Financial Services and Condoly who offer the resources you need to rebuild stronger.

If your board has gone quiet, now is the time to act. The sooner you restore leadership and accountability, the better your chances of protecting your property—and your investment.

When a board member sells their condo, it creates a vacancy that needs to be filled. This transition is a valuable opportunity to engage new owners early and help them understand their role in the community. With the right tools and support your association can streamline the transition and empower new owners to become actively involved.

For many first-time condo owners, the shift from renting to owning in a shared property is significant. Unlike renting, condo ownership means becoming part of a collective community, where decisions are made by the board—fellow owners who volunteer their time to manage and maintain the property.

Best Practices for Filling Board Vacancies

1. Schedule a Board Meeting and Elections After Closing:
   • Once the sale is finalized, organize a board meeting and election and get a jump on filling your vacant board seat.
2. Provide Educational Materials:
   • Share resources about board member roles and responsibilities, including financial and administrative duties. Show that your board is organized and professional - this will motivate a new owner to participate!
3. Extend a Personal Invitation:
   • In addition to sending required notices to all owners, reach out directly to the new owner to ensure they have received notice and encourage them to attend.

By engaging new owners early, you can:

• Educate them on board responsibilities: Clarify how the board operates and how owners can influence community decisions.
• Encourage participation: Inspire them to consider filling board vacancies or joining committees.
• Build stronger connections: Early involvement fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Filling board vacancies and onboarding new owners can be time-consuming and complex. Fortunately, Haus Financial Services provides solutions that simplify the process:

• Haus Financial Services:
  • Helps condo associations manage finances seamlessly, ensuring new board members step into a well-organized financial environment.
  • Offers expert support with budgeting, financial reporting, and cash flow management, giving new board members confidence in their financial oversight responsibilities.

If your association has recently had a board member sell their unit, consider this an opportunity to welcome and engage new owners. With Haus Financial Services supporting your board, you’ll build a stronger, more efficient, and better-managed condo community.