Can I Burn my Yard Waste?
There is no general law about burning landscaping waste or leaves in Illinois. But local governments, like counties and villages, do have the authority to limit the burning. They can also totally ban all burning of yard waste and leaves. Local governments can also regulate the hours which burning can happen, the weather conditions when burning can occur, and types of materials. Most populated towns do not allow yard waste or leaf burning. Sparsely populated areas and farming communities are more likely to allow some type of restricted burning. Check with your local government to see if your town or village allows yard waste burning. Illinois EPA
Can I Burn my Garbage?
How is Yard Waste Different than Garbage?
More About Burning Garbage and Yard Waste
Burning yard waste is never a safe option. It creates harmful toxins that pollute the air, soil, and water around us. Instead of burning your unwanted yard waste, consider buying a compost bin or having a service pick up our leaves. Composting is an excellent way to dispose of your yard waste because it reuses natural resources. Not only will composting your yard waste create a great source of nutrition to use in your garden, but you will also be making our planet a much cleaner place by keeping waste out of landfills. Instead of harming the environment, you can help it.
It may seem harmless to burn your leaves and grass, but it turns out that it’s impact is more substantial than you might think. When you burn yard waste, you are burning valuable resources that can be recycled into compost. Beyond that, you are potentially creating a harmful environment. Burning waste such as twigs and leaves creates smoke that can be bad for not only human health, but animals and wildlife, too. Yard waste fires tend to get out of hand and can also result in a wildfire.
Air Pollution
Clean air is a necessity for all forms of life. Burning yard waste adds to air pollution and harms the environment. Some substances released into the air from burning yard waste are: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, dioxins, and ozone-forming chemicals. These toxins linger in your body for years and the smoke can be very dangerous for those exposed to it.
Soil + Water Pollution
Rainfall washes smoke particles into the ground, eventually contaminating soil and the water supply. Contaminated water leaks into local rivers and lakes and creates a tough habitat for animals living in these bodies of water. Pollutants even help the growth of algae, which can result in killing fish and other aquatic life. Not only can burning your yard waste harm animals, but it can also harm you and others. If the soil near you is rather porous, your drinking water can become polluted and harm your food supply.
Wildfires
Brush and yard waste fires get out of hand quickly. In 2017, 63,546 human-caused wildfires burned nearly 5 million acres. Containing a yard waste fire can be difficult. Wind gusts can blow embers into unintended areas and start additional fires. In the fall, dry leaves and fallen branches increase chance of a wildfire significantly. Firefighting these unintended fires is costly for your local government, fire districts and for homeowners.
Yard Waste Pick Up Service
Yard Waste Service Details
– Yard waste season is April 1 – November 30.
– Grass clippings, leaves, branches, etc. are considered yard waste (no dirt or rock).
– By Illinois State Law, yard waste must NOT be mixed with your garbage.
– Yard waste can be placed in brown paper yard waste bags.
– Branches should be cut into 3-4 foot lengths and be no wider than 6 inches in diameter. Branches can be placed in the yard waste bag or put in reasonable-sized bundles tied with twine or string