West Cook News

The Village's Fall Leaf Collection Program is set to commence on November 4, with a new approach that eliminates the practice of placing leaves directly in the street. The program will run for six weeks, concluding the week of December 9, and includes weekly pickups for each section of the Village.

Residents now have several options for leaf disposal. Leaves can be placed in yard waste bags or rigid containers and left near the curb for collection. Green yard waste stickers are not required during this period, allowing residents to put out an unlimited number of bags or containers on their designated collection day. Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), the Village’s waste hauler, will transport collected leaves to a compost facility.

For those participating in the Village’s CompostAble program, leaves can be discarded in a 96-gallon gray organics cart along with food scraps and other yard waste throughout the year. More information about this program is available at www.oak-park.us/compost.

Mulching is another recommended option. Residents are encouraged to mulch leaves using a mower or leave them on lawns or garden beds to enhance soil health. This method supports regional biodiversity and reduces fertilizer costs by allowing natural decomposition, aligning with Oak Park's Climate Ready plan.

These changes aim to mitigate safety hazards previously caused by large leaf piles, reduce confusion over parking restrictions related to leaf collection, and offer environmental benefits through mulching and decreased greenhouse gas emissions from reduced truck traffic.

Commercial properties and large multifamily buildings with six or more units remain responsible for their own leaf collection as they do not participate in the Village’s refuse program.

Additional resources include an online portal connecting volunteers willing to rake leaves with residents needing assistance. Information about volunteering or requesting help can be found at www.oak-park.us/leafcollection.

Residents employing landscape services should inform landscapers about the new rules prohibiting street placement of leaves. A printable handout detailing these changes is available online in both English and Spanish at www.oak-park.us/leafcollection.

A $5 coupon off a $25 purchase at Oak Park’s Ace Hardware locations is accessible via www.oak-park.us/leafcollection for yard waste bag purchases.

The Village also permits blocks to host additional leaf collection block parties on weekends until December 7. Requests for such events can be made through www.oak-park.us/leafcollection following traditional block party guidelines requiring signatures from at least ten separate addresses on the block. Supplies for these events will be provided upon request by the Village.

For further details about Oak Park's Leaf Collection Program, visit their website or contact them via phone or email as listed above.