3 Important Things to Remember Before Raking Up Leaves in Illinois

Fall is definitely in the air in Illinois, and with it comes the dreaded chore of raking leaves. But before you grab the rake and start gathering piles, here are 3 very important things to remember.

First Sign of Fall in Illinois

According to the calendar, Fall doesn't begin until Sunday, September 22, 2024, but it sure looks like Mother Nature is early to the party this year.

Many of the trees throughout the small village I live in are already turning beautiful shades of yellow and red, and that can only mean one thing; long days spent raking are just around the corner.

If this will be your first fall living in Illinois or you are a first time homeowner, there are a few important yard waste laws to need to keep in mind each fall.

Illinois Yard Waste Laws

I have owned my own home for over 15 years now, so I'm definitely familiar with how bad raking up leaves can suck during the fall, but it's a job everybody has to do.

A separate yard waste pickup service is offered by garbage companies and communities during certain months of the year, but do you know WHY yard debris is picked up separately? Here's your answer...

It is illegal to send leaves and other yard waste to landfills in Illinois. (Yes, shoving/hiding a bag of leaves in your regular garbage can to avoid paying for yard waste pickup is a huge no-no!)

It is illegal to blow leaves (and grass clippings) onto streets in Illinois. The other thing I know intimately about fall leaf cleanup is; getting the big raked pile of leaves into a yard waste bag can be quite frustrating. Blowing the leaves off your yard and into the street may be desirable, but when those leaves get wet they become highly dangerous for drivers and walker so DON'T do it!

Burning leaves is prohibited in many places throughout Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says;

Open burning is generally prohibited in Illinois unless there is a statutory exemption provided in the Environmental Protection Act (e.g., burning of landscape wastes upon the premises where it is produced) or unless there is an exemption provided for in the Illinois Pollution Control Board’s (Board) Part 237 rules.

One Reason To NOT Rake Up Leaves This Fall

If you seriously HATE raking up leaves each fall, here is something interesting to consider.

Many environmental experts say raking up and getting rid of ALL the leaves in your is actually bad for it, and the environment.

To achieve a healthier yard come spring, consider mulching and composting your yard debris instead.