Prospect Heights Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

Contact Prospect Heights's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Green Waste Collection & Municipal Composting Programs

Prospect Heights offers a robust seasonal green waste collection program, typically running from early April through late November, with weekly curbside pickup scheduled by neighborhood. Residents should place biodegradable paper bags or properly bundled brush at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on collection day, ensuring materials are at least three feet from storm drains and utility boxes. During peak fall leaf season, collection frequency may increase to accommodate higher volumes. The city also provides specialized brush and branch pickup (bundles no longer than 4 feet and 50 pounds), Christmas tree collection in January, and emergency storm debris removal. For larger loads or off-schedule drop-offs, the Transfer Station operates with seasonal hours, requiring proof of residency and, in some cases, a permit or sticker. Acceptable materials must be loose or in paper bags—plastic bags are prohibited. Fees may apply for bulk drop-offs or non-standard items. Finished compost is available to residents through municipal or regional partnerships, supporting community gardens and local landscaping projects. For more information, contact:

Prospect Heights Department of Public Works
8 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: (847) 398-6070
Official Website: Prospect Heights Public Works Department

Understanding Green Waste Volume & Decomposition Dynamics in Prospect Heights's Prairie Clay & Glacial Till Soils

Prospect Heights is situated on prairie clay and glacial till soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey, which are characterized by moderate to poor drainage and high clay content. These soils slow organic matter decomposition, especially during wet springs or after heavy rainfall. The city’s mature tree canopy—dominated by oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust—produces significant seasonal leaf and branch volume, particularly in autumn. The local climate, with a growing season from April to October, frequent spring rains, and freeze-thaw cycles, further influences green waste generation and decomposition rates. Severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, can result in sudden surges of storm debris. Urban heat island effects in denser neighborhoods may accelerate decomposition, while low-lying or flood-prone areas experience slower breakdown due to saturated soils. These factors underscore the importance of timely collection and proper green waste management in Prospect Heights.

Prospect Heights's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Illinois law, under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, prohibits the disposal of yard waste in landfills and mandates municipal diversion programs. Prospect Heights enforces these requirements through its curbside collection, composting initiatives, and resident education campaigns. Commercial landscapers and institutions must comply with organic waste diversion rules, ensuring that large-scale green waste is processed at approved facilities. The city coordinates with regional composting infrastructure and tracks diversion rates as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Non-compliance, such as placing yard waste in regular trash or using plastic bags, may result in warnings or fines. Prospect Heights also supports community composting and provides technical assistance to residents and businesses. For regulatory guidance, contact:

Prospect Heights Building Department
8 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: (847) 398-6070
Official Website: Prospect Heights Building and Development

Proper Preparation & Sorting of Green Waste Materials for Prospect Heights's Collection Programs

Residents must follow strict guidelines to ensure efficient and compliant green waste collection. Acceptable materials include:

• Grass clippings (fresh or dried)
• Deciduous and evergreen leaves
• Garden debris (vegetable waste, flower bed cleanings)
• Pruned materials, brush, and branches (max 4 feet long, 50 pounds per bundle)
• Pumpkins, Christmas trees, and holiday greenery
• Hedge trimmings and weeds

Prohibited materials:

• Soil, rocks, and stones
• Treated lumber and construction debris
• Diseased plant materials (require special handling)
• Invasive species (buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard)
• Plastic containers, wire, or chemically treated organics

Preparation steps:

• Use biodegradable paper bags or place leaves loose at the curb (where allowed)
• Bundle branches with natural twine
• Remove all non-organic debris
• Place materials curbside by 6:30 a.m. on collection day
• Separate storm debris from construction waste after severe weather

For more information on preparation and sorting, contact:

Prospect Heights Community Development/Environmental Services
8 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: (847) 398-6070
Official Website: City of Prospect Heights Official Website

Prospect Heights Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste activities near Prospect Heights’s sensitive areas—such as McDonald Creek, Des Plaines River wetlands, and local conservation zones—are subject to additional oversight. Buffer zones restrict green waste placement within 25-50 feet of streams, wetlands, and protected habitats. In these areas, natural leaf retention may be required to support erosion control and wildlife habitat. Invasive species must be bagged and disposed of at designated facilities to prevent spread. Seasonal restrictions may apply during bird nesting periods or in conservation areas. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ensures compliance with state conservation goals. Residents are encouraged to consult city staff before conducting large-scale cleanups or disposing of unusual materials in environmentally sensitive locations.

Protecting Prospect Heights's Water Quality Through Green Waste Management & NPDES Stormwater Compliance

Proper green waste management is essential for protecting Prospect Heights’s water resources, including McDonald Creek and nearby wetlands. Organic matter left in streets or near storm drains can contribute to nutrient loading, leading to algae blooms and oxygen depletion in local waterways. The city’s compliance with the EPA NPDES stormwater program and the Clean Water Act requires residents to keep green waste out of stormwater systems. Benefits of proper management include:

• Reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff
• Enhanced soil health through composting
• Lower landfill methane emissions
• Support for city sustainability and climate action goals

Finished compost is used in park and community garden projects, improving soil and supporting urban forestry. For water quality and environmental program details, contact:

Prospect Heights Parks and Recreation Department
110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: (847) 394-2848
Official Website: Prospect Heights Park District

On-Site Green Waste Management: Composting, Mulching & Sustainable Practices in Prospect Heights

Residents are encouraged to manage green waste on-site through composting, mulch-mowing, and grasscycling. Local ordinances typically require compost bins or piles to be set back 10-20 feet from property lines and at least 50 feet from wells. Bins should not exceed 5 feet in height or width. Best practices include:

• Maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (browns vs. greens)
• Monitor moisture, especially during wet springs and dry summers
• Turn piles regularly to prevent odors and pests
• Avoid composting meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, or invasive species
• Use mulch-mowing for light leaf coverage and well-drained lawns
• Chip brush for mulch or integrate with rain gardens

For educational resources and workshops, visit the University of Illinois Extension.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Prospect Heights, IL?

Prospect Heights’s neighborhoods each present unique green waste management needs:

• Old Willow Road Corridor: Mature oaks and maples, large single-family lots, high fall leaf volume, curbside collection challenges due to narrow streets.
• Rob Roy Country Club Village: Multi-family homes, shared landscaping, moderate green waste, coordinated collection, proximity to McDonald Creek requiring buffer compliance.
• Country Gardens: Newer developments, younger trees, lower seasonal volume, active gardening, alley pickup options.
• Pinecrest: Historic homes, dense canopy, intensive spring/fall cleanups, composting structure restrictions, floodplain considerations.
• Prospect Heights Estates: Large yards, prairie restoration areas, native plantings, storm debris vulnerability, on-site composting encouraged.
• Willow Heights: Senior community, additional support for collection, minimal on-site management, focus on accessibility.
• Lake Claire Area: Adjacent to wetlands, environmental compliance for disposal, naturalized landscaping, seasonal debris management.

Each area’s landscape, property type, environmental features, and infrastructure influence collection schedules, preparation requirements, and sustainable management options.

Prospect Heights Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Prospect Heights enforces municipal ordinances governing green waste equipment operation and commercial services. Key regulations include:

• Equipment operation hours: typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends
• Noise restrictions for leaf blowers and chippers
• Licensing requirements for commercial landscapers and haulers
• Prohibition of green waste disposal in public rights-of-way
• Enforcement of proper bundling, bagging, and placement
• Fines for non-compliance or contamination

Residents and contractors should review the city’s codes for up-to-date requirements and enforcement procedures. For ordinance details, contact:

Prospect Heights Department of Public Works
8 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: (847) 398-6070
Official Website: Prospect Heights Public Works Department

By following these guidelines and participating in Prospect Heights’s green waste programs, residents and businesses help protect local ecosystems, comply with state and federal regulations, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient community.