Aurora, IL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Yard waste
- Grass, leaves, limbs under 4 inches
- Large limbs, logs, brush
- Must be hauled away, not burned
- On-site burning
- Needs a fire department permit
- Without a permit
- Burning brush is unlawful citywide
Summary
Aurora defines yard waste as grass clippings, leaves, and small tree limbs under four inches across, while trees, large limbs, logs, and brush must be hauled away under city council rules: on-site burning needs a fire department permit.
Trees, large limbs from trees, logs or large amounts of brush must be hauled away and be deposited in accordance with the regulations of the city council. Burning of this material is permissible on the original premises in only those cases where a special written permit is granted by the fire department.
(Code 1969, § 20-18; Ord. No. O00-73, § 1, 7-11-00)
Editor's note— Formerly § 20-17.
Cross reference— Open burning, § 4-7.
Full Breakdown
Aurora Code § 20-1 defines yard waste as grass or shrubbery cuttings, leaves, and small tree limbs under four inches in diameter generated from lawn and landscape care. Larger material, trees, large limbs, logs, and large amounts of brush, falls under § 20-8, which requires it to be hauled away and deposited according to city council regulations rather than set out with routine yard waste. Burning that material on the original premises is allowed only with a special written permit from the fire department; unpermitted burning is unlawful under § 20-7.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted burning of trees, limbs, or brush is unlawful; general chapter violations run $25 for a first offense up to $100 for repeat offenses within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn tree branches in my Aurora backyard?
What counts as yard waste versus brush in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle yard waste collection.