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

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.

Burning of Tree Debris

If you have fallen branches, limbs, or small logs, you may burn them on your property in accordance with City guidelines. Burning should be done in a fire pit, fire ring, outdoor fireplace, chiminea, or another safe area surrounded by non-combustible material.

Please use caution when burning. Fires are not allowed during high winds or when a burn ban is in effect, and all fires should be supervised at all times.

Only natural tree debris may be burned. Burning garbage, trash, building materials, or tires is not permitted.

For complete burning regulations, visit the Fire Department page.

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.