Fall Leaf Collection Frequently Asked Questions

Prior to 1994, the Fall Leaf Program was performed entirely by the Public Works Department. Since 1994, the Fall Leaf Collection Program has been provided as a 6-8-week joint operation (late October – early December) between the Public Works Department and the waste hauler hired by the Village for residential refuse, recycling and compost services. In 2022, the Village entered a 5-year contract with its current residential waste hauler Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). The Village utilized a pile program model through 2023, in which large piles of loose leaves were consolidated at street corners for collection.

How did the historic pile program work operationally?

 Fall Leaf Collection requires complex coordination from residents, the Village, and our contracted residential waste hauler to be ensure safety and success. The pile collection method operated as follows:

• Resident’s Role – Rake or blow the fallen leaves from the property out to the curb the day before your block’s scheduled collection.
• The Village’s Role – Village employees work overnight using special heavy equipment to push the leaves put out by residents into large piles at street corners for collection the next day.
• The Waste Hauler’s Role – Designated leaf crews use special heavy equipment and block off streets to collect the large corner piles according to the schedule set by the Village. 

How does the Village dispose of collected leaves?

All yard waste and compost collected in Oak Park (including the material collected during the Fall Leaf Collection Program) is taken to the LRS transfer station in Maywood, IL and hauled to the Whole Earth Compost facility for processing.

Who pays for the Fall Leaf Collection Program?

Single-family residents (buildings with 5 or fewer dwelling units) pay a fee for Fall Leaf Collection services that is included in their quarterly refuse rate. The 2024 Fall Leaf Collection fee was $2.42/month per household.  

How do communities similar to Oak Park collect their leaves?

Village staff performed case studies of 150 Illinois municipalities and found that only 10 other communities utilize the historic pile program model. The Board specifically asked for more information about Evanston’s Fall Leaf Collection Program as Evanston has a similar robust tree canopy and commitment to sustainability. The Evanston Public Works Department reported that the bagging program model works best for the volume of leaves collected in their community.  

Upon receiving direction from the Board in November 2023, Public Works staff evaluated the Fall Leaf Collection Program to identify potential improvements and present alternative program models. Feedback from the Village Board, Oak Park residents, residential waste hauler LRS, other Village departments and the Village’s Vision Zero consultant were compiled to analyze the historic pile program.

What were the positive aspects of the historic pile program model?

The following benefits were identified while evaluating the historic Fall Leave Collection model of placing large leaf piles in the street for collection:

• Lower physical impact for residents.
• Familiarity to long-term residents.
• Minimal additional costs to residents.

What were the negative aspects of the historic pile program model?

The following list of conflicts, hazards, and challenges were identified during the historic pile program evaluation:

• Continued implementation of important traffic-calming measures (i.e. bump-outs and speed tables) makes pushing and collecting the large piles of leaves and cleaning street curbs afterwards more challenging.
• Residential vehicle fires from parking near or on top of leaf piles.
• Waste hauler truck fires from loose leaf litter and dust being in close proximity to hot engines during collection.
• Residential noncompliance with the collection route and schedule. Piles are often put out too early and do not get pushed or collected on their designated day, resulting in parking issues and nuisances.
• Inconvenient changes in parking restrictions Village-wide due to overnight leaf pushing and daytime collection of piles, causing confusion and disproportionate reduction of parking in areas.
• Illegally parked cars blocking piles on scheduled collection days, resulting in disruption of other routes throughout the week.
• Equipment damage from contamination and fly-dumping of non-acceptable materials into the leaf piles that cannot be seen during pile pushing nor collection.
• Incidents of children playing in large leaf piles in dangerous proximity to busy traffic and intersections.
• Large leaf piles at corners cause impaired visibility for pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists.
• Large leaf piles at corners block crosswalk and sidewalk access.
• Lack of enforcement due to inability to identify violating parties after piles are pushed, consolidated, and/or dispersed by weather events.
• Multi-family/commercial buildings, institutions, and landscapers don’t financially contribute to the Fall Leaf Collection Program, but many have taken advantage of the historic pile model due to the inability identify and enforce violators. This increases the total volume of leaves collected and the associated disposal fees, ultimately resulting in higher program costs to single-family residents.
• Heavy machinery used to push the leaves overnight and collect the piles during the day five (5) days/week for six (6) weeks produces harmful and avoidable greenhouse gas emissions.
• Piling large volumes of leaves in the streets can clog catch basins, causing flooding and sewer damage.

Based on this evaluation, the historic pile program model was determined to be in conflict with the Village Board Goals related to Community Health & Safety; Vibrant, Diverse, Connected Neighborhoods; and Sustainability & Resiliency. The pile program model was also determined to be unaligned with Climate Ready Oak Park (CROP) or Vision Zero.

Why weren't more alternative program models presented?

The survey of 150 Illinois municipalities showed that from an operational standpoint, there are only two (2) viable leaf pick-up models that currently exist:

• Loose leaves are put in the street for collection
• Bagged leaves are put on the parkway for collection

At the Village Board meeting on November 20, 2023, Trustees expressed growing concerns regarding the safety and efficiency of the Village’s Fall Leaf Collection Program. Public Works staff was directed to evaluate the current program model for improvements and present alternatives to the Board. Staff returned to present the evaluation and an alternative leaf bagging program on March 12, 2024. During that meeting, the Board directed staff to prepare and return to a future meeting with an Ordinance amending the Village Code to be in alignment with this new direction. The Board also encouraged staff to engage with numerous citizen commissions and community groups, including Aging in Communities, Disability Access Commission and others, to solicit feedback on implementation strategies.

Public Works staff returned to the Board on April 30, 2024 with an Ordinance amending Village Code Chapter 20 (“Public Health”), Article 7 (“Garbage, Weeds and Littering”) Section 20-7-1 (“Definitions”) and Section 20-7-2 (“Storage and Collection of Garbage, Refuse, Yard Waste and Recyclable Materials for Residential Buildings Containing Five Units or Less; Storage and Collection of Yard Waste for All Buildings”). Staff also presented a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC. Both items were discussed and approved by the Board to solidify the Fall Leaf Collection Program changes within Village Code and update the contract with LRS.

Staff has continued to engage with community partners and organizations, citizen advisory groups, local businesses, contractors, residents, landscapers, and multiple Village departments to ensure an equitable, effective, and transparent transition for all involved. Periodic updates will be provided to the Board throughout the coming months.

How can I watch these Board meetings?

Village Board meetings are streamed live at www.oak-park.us/boardtv and archived for on-demand viewing. Please visit the links below to view recordings from the Board meetings with agenda items pertaining to the Fall Leaf Collection Program:

• November 20, 2023
• March 12, 2024
• April 30, 2024

How can I provide feedback to the Board on this decision?

Every Village Board meeting includes an agenda with details on all items being considered. Residents are invited to review and submit comments, viewpoints and suggestions by email or telephone. Simply send a request to submit a public comment by 5 p.m. the day of the Village Board meeting to publiccomment@oak-park.us  or by calling the Village Clerk’s Office at 708.358.5672.

As of 2024, during the annual Fall Leaf Collection period, leaves shall be placed for collection in yard waste bags and/or rigid containers with a weight less than 50 pounds when filled with leaves. These shall be placed in the parkway as close to the curb as possible. Green yard-waste stickers are not required during the 6-week Fall Leaf Collection Program and residents may put out an unlimited number of bags and/or rigid containers in the parkway on their designated collection day.

How and when will I learn more about the the program transition in 2024?

The Village will execute a substantial education and engagement campaign in the months leading up to leaf collection season. Details of that operation are still being finalized and will be broadly communicated via the Village website, social media channels, E-newsletter, OP/FYI, local media outlets, Oak Park Township newsletter and more. All Village employees will be trained and able to answer questions in the field. Staff will also be tabling at community events throughout the coming months to educate residents and answer questions in-person.

How will the bags/containers of leaves be picked up?

The Village’s residential waste hauler will have dedicated compost trucks and leaf crews that will manually collect bags and empty rigid landscape containers from the parkway according to the route and schedule set by Public Works staff. A Village-wide make-up day is included in the weekly Fall Leaf Collection schedule to supplement areas with higher leaf volumes or catch up after inclement weather events.

Are the landscape bags my only option for Fall Leaf Collection?

 No, while the Village will no longer pick up piles of leaves on the street, we understand that bagging leaves might not be the preferred option for everyone. Here are a few alternative methods for disposing of your leaves this Fall:

• Residents may use a rigid container labeled “Yard Waste Only” to collect their leaves. The container may not exceed 32 gallons or 50lbs and shall be placed in the parkway for pickup alongside the landscape bags. The container may be reused throughout the season, but the waste hauler is not responsible for damages or replacement.  Complimentary “Yard Waste Only” stickers are available at the Public Works Center (201 South Blvd).

• Sign up for the Village’s CompostAble Program. Participants receive a large 96-gallon bin for weekly collection of your yard waste and food scraps. Fall leaves can go directly into your compost bin for removal on your regular service day. No bags are required, and your other organics will also be diverted from the landfill. Visit this link to learn more about the program and sign up for your bin: CompostAble Program

• Leave the leaves. The Village announced a pledge drive during International Compost Awareness Week to increase education on the benefits of allowing leaf litter to decompose naturally in your yard or garden this winter and feed your soil. This is a great opportunity to support regional biodiversity, save money on fertilizers, connect with your neighbors, and reduce the number of landscape bags needed during Fall Leaf Collection. Visit this link to learn more about the initiative and sign the pledge: Leave the Leaves Pledge

Are green stickers required?

No, green stickers are not required for Fall Leaf Collection.

What do I do with my leaves if I live in a multi-family building? 

The Fall Leaf Collection Program is funded by residential refuse fees and is intended to service single-family residents in Oak Park (buildings with 5 or fewer dwelling units). Other types of buildings such as multi-family, commercial, or institutional are responsible for their own leaf removal and disposal. The Village will not remove leaf piles in the street or collect landscape bags from these types of property owners. However, enforcement is focused on education and supporting compliance, not issuing fines.

What if I utilize contracted landscaping services?

Leaves collected by landscapers for residential refuse customers during the Fall Leaf Collection Program may be bagged and placed in the parkway for pickup. If the landscaper does not want to bag the leaves, they are responsible for removal and disposal. Village staff is currently developing multi-lingual materials for residents to share with their landscapers.

What will happen if I put piles of leaves in the street?

In the case that a leaf pile is spotted or reported to be in the street, all Village staff will be trained and knowledgeable of the bagging program guidelines and be equipped with educational materials and supplies to encourage compliance on the spot. While the priority of transition is compliance by providing information and support, if a leaf pile remains after multiple engagements with Village staff it is possible that a citation may be issued. A Fall Leaf Collection reporting platform will be developed for residents to notify the Village of leaf piles and for staff to track the status of violations.

The Village acknowledges and values the diverse community in Oak Park and has considered the unique challenges that many residents face in their daily lives. Village staff is performing ongoing engagement with community partners and citizen groups to develop supportive programming through an equity lens and ensure that the residents in need have adequate opportunities for assistance.

How will the Village support residents that are not physically able to bag leaves and/or financially able to contract a landscaping service?

The Village currently has a Sidewalk Shoveling Program to assist residents that physically cannot shovel show nor afford to hire a shoveling service. The shoveling contractor has agreed to expand the program to provide leaf services as well. Village staff is currently working to update the contract, program guidelines, and application.

How can I connect with nearby residents that need help with Fall Leaf Collection?

The Village plans to develop a Community Volunteer Portal that will connect local volunteers with those in need, for both leaf and snow removal. 

Additional strategies and programs for relieving the potential financial and physical burdens during the program transition are being considered.

Village staff compiled and analyzed historic leaf collection data to estimate some of the potential costs associated with bagging leaves. However, the volume of leaves collected is expected to decrease with the bagging program due to improved enforcement and efficiency of operations.

How many leaves are collected during Fall Leaf Collection?

According to research compiled by Village staff, over the last seven (7) years, an average of 1,821 tons of leaves have been collected annually.

If all Oak Park residents solely used landscape bags for leaf removal, how many bags would be needed Village-wide?

Assuming 20 to 32 pounds of leaves fills a single yard waste bag, 1,821 tons of leaves equates to approximately 115,000 to 182,000 bags.

If I decide to solely use landscape bags for Fall Leaf Collection, how many bags would I need and how much would it cost?

Averaged across the six-week Fall Leaf Collection Program and approximately 11,200 households, each family would amass one (1) to (3) three landscape bags per week and purchase a total of five (5) to 16 bags for the year. At $0.50 per bag, this amounts to $2.50 to $8 in costs per household per year. A greater number of bags may be required for larger properties with more trees than the average. Given the cost per bag, five to 10 landscape bags per week for the six-week period would amount to $15 to $30 annually.