Our History

In the 1970’s, Frank Ward Sr. founded Chicago’s first material recovery processing facility to sort and separate recyclable material from the waste stream. Eventually evolving into Independent Recycling Services (“IRS”), Frank and his family provided a competitive edge against large, corporate companies by providing customized waste management programs, cost-effective pricing, and in-demand services for waste hauling and recycling for 40+ years.

Family owned and operated, IRS is one of the largest privately owned waste and recycling companies in the Chicagoland area. IRS provides customized disposal solutions to a broad customer base including, but not limited to: commercial properties, offices, high-rises, small businesses, contractors, industrial facilities, and residential properties. With our experienced sales staff, dedicated 24/7 Chicago-based dispatch team, and a variety of container options, IRS can accommodate any waste volume and facility access restrictions.

With our knowledgeable Customer Service and Dispatch Center we identify and resolve service related issues before they happen. Our operation includes 40 professional drivers, servicing over 3,000 customers. Our highly trained drivers meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing requirements, undergo MVR review, and participate in safety training to ensure exceptional driving records are maintained. IRS is a drug-free, equal opportunity work place that meets and exceeds all regulations and requirements.