Fall Leaves, Clean Streets: Tips for the Season

As the vibrant colors of fall arrive, let's all do our part to keep West Chicago beautiful and welcoming. One simple way is by taking care of fallen leaves around our homes and neighborhoods. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Rake Responsibly: Avoid raking or blowing leaves into the streets, and take a moment to clear nearby storm drains. These small steps help prevent flooding, protect our waterways, and keep the neighborhood safe.
2. Bag It Up: Place leaves in brown yard waste bags for pickup on your regular garbage day. Collection runs from October 20 through November 29 with no stickers required. After that, leaves in stickered yard waste bags will be collected through December 12.
3. Mulch or Compost Leaves: Instead of bagging everything, consider composting or mulching your leaves at home. Composting creates valuable nutrients for your garden, while mowing over dry leaves turns them into natural mulch that enriches your lawn and reduces waste.
4. Keep Walkways Clear: Wet leaves on sidewalks and driveways can be slippery. Sweep them up to help keep walkways safe for everyone.
5. Lend A Hand: Consider helping a neighbor who may need assistance with raking or bagging. A little kindness goes a long way-thank you for being a great neighbor!

Together, these small steps help keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and beautiful all season long.