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:
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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).
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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
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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.