Yard Waste
Illinois law does not allow leaves or other yard waste to be thrown in the regular garbage or sent to the landfill. Yard waste also cannot be placed in plastic garbage bags or mixed with household trash.
Leaf Burning Notice
The City allows leaf burning only during the second full week of April, May, October, and November (sunrise to sunset).
Please remember: burning may be stopped by the Fire Chief if conditions are unsafe, and it must always be supervised by an adult.
See full leaf burning rules and dates here.
What is Yard Waste?
Yard waste includes things like:
- Leaves
- Twigs
- Branches
- Limbs smaller than 4 inches wide
- Brush, logs, and Christmas trees
How to Set Out Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected by hand, not by automated trucks. Containers must be light enough for crews to safely lift.
To ensure your yard waste is collected:
- Do not use trash or recycling carts
- Keep containers, bags, and bundles under 35 pounds
- Use reusable containers or biodegradable bags no larger than 30 gallons
- Bundle sticks, branches, and limbs with string or twine
- Bundles must be no more than 3 feet long
Overfilled or overweight containers may not be collected.
Pick-Up Schedule
Yard waste is picked up every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, based on your trash collection day.
Not sure when your yard waste gets picked up? View the Collection Schedules here.