Elgin, IL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Elgin Municipal Code § 9.24.010 defines 'landscape waste or yard waste' as grass clippings, leaves, branches and brush, other yard and garden trimmings, vines, garden plants and flowers, weeds, tree droppings such as pinecones and crab apples, and similar organic waste from lawn, shrub and garden maintenance, and it specifically adds that 'Christmas trees shall also be considered landscape waste.' Under § 9.24.030(C)(3), bagged yard waste is only collected in a 'disposal unit' carrying a valid disposal sticker, and § 9.24.010 defines that disposal unit as a two-ply, 50-point wet-strength kraft paper bag no larger than 33 gallons and 45 pounds.

Brush and branches instead go out under § 9.24.030(C)(6) as a bundle 'securely tied' with biodegradable cord, not exceeding 45 pounds, 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet in length. Loose leaves get a seasonal exception: § 9.24.030(C)(8) allows leaves in a paper yard waste bag to go to the curb without a sticker 'on or between the third Monday of October and November 30.' Christmas trees get their own window under § 9.24.030(C)(9), collected curbside 'between December 26 and January 15,' also without a sticker.

Outside those two seasonal exceptions, every yard waste disposal unit needs a disposal sticker under § 9.24.030(D), and the bag or bundle must be set at the tree bank or parkway by 7:00 a.m. on collection day per § 9.24.030(B).