Mulch or Compost
- Mulch. If you have a mulching lawnmower, use it to recycle leaves and their nutrients into your lawn.
- Consider composting. Composting is the biological decomposition of organic material into a humus-like substance called compost. Leaves and other types of yard waste can be a source of materials used in a compost pile.
Put them out for pickup on Garbage Collection Day
The final week of yard waste collection for leaves are collected as part of your ward waste collection, which runs through 2nd full week of December. For more information visit LRSrecycles.com or contact LRS at 844-633-3577.
- Leaves must in a 33-gallon biodegradable paper bag; OR a 33 gallon unlined, reusable can
- If you rent a yard waste cart from LRS, leaves can be combined with other yard waste.
- Mow over leaves before bagging them. This reduces the ratio of bags to leaves by seven to one, thereby saving money on bags and labor.
Street Sweeping Fall Schedule
- The street sweeping schedule is tentatively set for November 11-18. Please remember that not all trees shed their leaves at the same time. Pending the falling of the leaves the schedule for sweeping will be monitored and modified throughout the month of November.
Please Remember:
- Do not rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into the street. (Prohibited by ordinance.)
- The burning of leaves and other yard waste is prohibited by ordinance Burning of Waste Products
If you are able, please clear leaves from any inlets or storm drains along the curb near your property. Clogged drains can overflow in heavy rain and cause excess standing water on the roadways. Please feel free to visit our Adopt a Storm Sewer Inlet Program, Adopt a Drain
- All drains lead to local waterways. As leaves break down they release phosphorus, which at high levels is not healthy for the water ecosystem
- Raking leaves into the street in Darien, Illinois is a violation of city code Leaf Ordinance and is subject to a fine. If you see someone raking leaves into the street, you can call 911.
You can reduce street flooding by keeping storm drain grates clear of leaves and debris. Here’s how:
- Take a look at the storm drain grates in front of your home or business before and right after a rain or snow storm. Check to make sure they are free of leaves and debris.
- Use a rake or pitch fork to clear leaves and debris from the storm drain. Please use caution! Do not put your feet or hands into the storm drain because dangerous debris could collect there. Do not try to remove the grate, only the debris on top of the grate. Dispose of leaves in your yard waste container or compost bin.
- When leaves fall into the street, rake them one foot away from the curb so they won’t block the path of rain water.
- If you can’t clean a clogged storm drain yourself, notify Regina in the City's Municipal Services department at 630-353-8105 and let them know that help is needed.