Elgin, IL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Loose-leaf season
- 3rd Monday of October to Nov. 30
- Christmas tree window
- December 26 to January 15
- Bagged yard waste bag limit
- 33 gallons, 45 pounds
- Brush bundle limit
- 45 lbs, 2 ft wide, 5 ft long
- Sticker needed
- Yes, except leaf and tree seasons
Summary
Elgin picks up grass clippings, brush and leaves as 'landscape waste' only when bagged or bundled correctly and marked with a disposal sticker. Loose leaves get a special fall window, third Monday of October through November 30, and Christmas trees go out December 26 through January 15 under City Code § 9.24.030.
Landscape waste oryard waste means and includes grass clippings, leaves, branches and brush, other yard and garden trimmings, vines, garden plants, and flowers, weeds, tree droppings (for example, pinecones and crab apples), and other similar organic waste materials accumulated as the result of the cultivation and maintenance of lawns, shrubbery, vines, trees, and gardens. Christmas trees shall also be considered landscape waste. ... 3.The solid waste consists of yard waste contained within a disposal unit on which a valid disposal sticker has been affixed... 6.The solid waste consists of brush or branches that have been bundled and securely tied as a disposal unit... 8.The solid waste consists of leaves that have been deposited in a paper yard waste bag and placed for curbside collection service on or between the third Monday of October and November 30. 9.The solid waste is a Christmas tree that has been placed for curbside collection service on or between December 26 and January 15.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
010 defines that disposal unit as a two-ply, 50-point wet-strength kraft paper bag no larger than 33 gallons and 45 pounds. 030(C)(6) as a bundle 'securely tied' with biodegradable cord, not exceeding 45 pounds, 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet in length. 030(C)(9), collected curbside 'between December 26 and January 15,' also without a sticker. 030(B).
Violations & Fines
Yard waste that is not bagged, bundled or stickered as Chapter 9.24 requires is left uncollected, and if it accumulates it can be treated as an unlawful accumulation under § 9.24.050, drawing 48-hour removal notice and a $50.00 administrative fee on top of the removal cost. General Chapter 9.24 violations are fined not less than $50.00 for a first offense, $250.00 for a second within a year, and $500.00 for a third under § 9.24.130, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sticker for bagged leaves in the fall?
How do I set out brush or branches for pickup?
When can I put my Christmas tree at the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elgin
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle yard waste collection.