Winnebago County, IL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Burn window
- Weekends, Apr 15-May 15 & Nov only
- Allowed hours
- 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Setback from structures
- 25 feet minimum
- Off-site waste
- Only waste generated on that property
- Alternative
- County-assisted leaf pick-up service
Summary
Unincorporated Winnebago County allows open burning of dry landscape waste only on specific spring and fall weekends, with strict time and distance limits.
In any unincorporated area outside of those areas described above, dry, landscape waste may be burned on the weekends from April 15 through May 15 and on weekends during the month of November when following these restrictions... There shall be no burning of landscape waste before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. ... nor shall there be any burning of landscape waste within 25 feet of any building, structure or property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
County code bans open burning of landscape waste (grass, leaves, weeds, and shrubbery cuttings) in unincorporated areas surrounded by or within a mile of municipalities that prohibit it. Elsewhere in unincorporated Winnebago County, dry landscape waste may only be burned on weekends from April 15 through May 15 and on weekends in November, between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., unattended fires and wet-waste burning are barred, and burning must stay 25 feet from any structure or property line and off any street, sidewalk, or right-of-way. Brush (tree trunks, limbs, branches, twigs) is treated separately from landscape waste and can be burned for recreational fires. The county's Highway and Purchasing departments will help residents arrange competitive leaf pick-up service as an alternative to burning.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning of landscape waste is enforced through the county's Chapter 4 administrative code enforcement procedures, which can bring fines for each day of noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves and grass clippings any day I want in unincorporated Winnebago County?
Is burning brush treated the same as burning leaves under county code?
Can I burn landscape waste hauled in from another property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
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