Glen Ellyn Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

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

Glen Ellyn offers a robust seasonal green waste collection program, typically running from early April through late November, with weekly curbside pickup scheduled by neighborhood. Residents must place biodegradable paper bags or properly bundled brush at the curb by 7:00 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 Village also supports municipal composting through regional partnerships, offering finished compost for community gardens and resident use, as well as periodic educational workshops. The Transfer Station allows for organic waste drop-off during posted hours, requiring a resident permit or sticker, with volume limits and seasonal fee structures. Specialized services include monthly brush pickup (May–October, 4-foot length, 50-pound bundle limits), Christmas tree collection in January, and emergency storm debris management. For detailed schedules, preparation requirements, and permit information, contact:

Public Works Department
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 469-6756
Official Website: Public Works Department

Understanding Green Waste Volume & Decomposition Dynamics in Glen Ellyn's Prairie Clay & Glacial Till Soils

Glen Ellyn's landscape is shaped by 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, leading to rapid green waste accumulation in densely vegetated areas. The community's mature tree canopy—dominated by oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust—produces significant leaf and branch volume, particularly in autumn. Seasonal weather patterns, including a long growing season, frequent precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles, further influence green waste generation and collection timing. Severe weather events, such as thunderstorms or tornadoes, can result in sudden surges of storm debris, requiring flexible municipal response. Urban heat island effects in developed areas may accelerate decomposition, while floodplain and low-lying zones experience slower breakdown due to persistent moisture.

Glen Ellyn's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Illinois law, under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, prohibits yard waste disposal in landfills and mandates organic waste diversion. Glen Ellyn enforces these requirements through resident education, regular collection services, and strict contamination prevention. Commercial landscapers and institutions must comply with additional diversion and reporting standards. The Village coordinates with regional composting facilities and tracks waste diversion rates, supporting community composting initiatives and providing technical assistance. Enforcement includes periodic inspections, warnings, and fines for non-compliance, with a focus on public outreach and compliance support. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency oversees facility permitting, diversion tracking, and environmental monitoring, while Glen Ellyn's Community Development Department provides local guidance:

Community Development Department
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 547-5250
Official Website: Community Development Department

Proper Preparation & Sorting of Green Waste Materials for Glen Ellyn's Collection Programs

Residents must carefully sort and prepare green waste to ensure efficient collection and compliance. 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, tied with natural twine)
• Pumpkins, Christmas trees, holiday greenery
• Hedge trimmings and weeds

Prohibited materials requiring alternative disposal:

• Treated lumber, construction debris
• Diseased plant materials (special handling required)
• Invasive species (buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard)
• Contaminated organics (paint, chemicals)
• Stumps, roots, soil, rocks, plastic containers

Preparation steps:

• Use biodegradable paper bags or place leaves loose at curb (as scheduled)
• Remove all plastic, wire, and non-organic debris
• Eliminate excess moisture to prevent bag breakage
• Place materials at curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day
• Separate storm debris from construction waste after severe weather

Glen Ellyn Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste activities near Glen Ellyn's streams, wetlands, and conservation areas are subject to strict environmental oversight. Buffer zones restrict disposal or stockpiling of organic materials within designated distances of water bodies to prevent nutrient runoff and erosion. In conservation areas, natural leaf retention may be required to support soil health and wildlife habitat. Invasive species must be bagged and labeled for special collection to prevent spread, in coordination with municipal management programs. Seasonal restrictions may apply during bird nesting periods to protect sensitive wildlife. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides additional guidance on buffer management and habitat protection, and residents are encouraged to consult with local authorities before conducting green waste activities near protected sites.

Protecting Glen Ellyn's Water Quality Through Green Waste Management & NPDES Stormwater Compliance

Proper green waste management is essential for protecting Glen Ellyn's water resources, including the East Branch DuPage River, Lake Ellyn, and local wetlands. Organic matter left in streets or near storm drains can contribute to nitrogen and phosphorus loading, leading to algae blooms and oxygen depletion in waterways. The Village operates under an NPDES MS4 stormwater permit, requiring best practices to prevent organic runoff and maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES standards. Residents should avoid placing green waste near storm drains and follow all staging guidelines. Environmental benefits of proper management include improved soil health, reduced landfill methane emissions, and support for Glen Ellyn's climate action goals. For more information, contact:

Parks and Recreation
185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 858-2462
Official Website: Parks and Recreation

On-Site Green Waste Management: Composting, Mulching & Sustainable Practices in Glen Ellyn

Residents are encouraged to adopt sustainable on-site green waste practices, such as backyard composting, mulch-mowing, and grasscycling. Compost bins must be set back 10–20 feet from property lines and at least 50–100 feet from wells, with size limits per local ordinance. Best practices include:

• Maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (browns vs. greens)
• Monitor moisture, especially during wet Illinois springs and hot summers
• Turn piles regularly to prevent odors and pests
• Avoid composting meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, or invasive species
• Use finished compost in gardens, rain gardens, or for soil improvement

Mulch-mowing leaves into lawns is recommended when coverage is light and soils are well-drained. Brush chipping and naturalized garden areas further reduce waste and support biodiversity. The University of Illinois Extension offers workshops and resources on composting and sustainable landscaping.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Glen Ellyn, IL?

Glen Ellyn's neighborhoods each present unique green waste management needs:

• Lake Ellyn Area: Mature oaks and maples, historic homes with large yards, high fall leaf volume, proximity to Lake Ellyn and wetlands requiring buffer compliance, narrow streets affecting collection access.
• Glen Ellyn Manor: Mix of single-family and multi-family properties, moderate tree canopy, shared green waste responsibilities, newer developments with younger landscapes, alley collection in some blocks.
• Ben Franklin/Forest Glen: Dense tree cover (elms, honey locust), intensive gardening, floodplain areas near the East Branch DuPage River, seasonal storm debris vulnerability, conservation area adjacency.
• Arboretum Estates: Large lots, prairie restoration areas, native plantings, high brush and branch volume, on-site composting common, stormwater management features.
• Downtown District: Urban density, limited yard space, container gardening, alley pickup, historic district restrictions on composting structures, infrastructure constraints.
• Baker Hill: Newer homes, developing tree canopy, moderate green waste, HOA-managed landscaping, curbside collection.
• Sunset Park Area: Senior communities, additional support for green waste handling, mature trees, seasonal cleanup events, proximity to parks and recreation areas.

Glen Ellyn Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Glen Ellyn enforces municipal ordinances regulating green waste equipment operation and commercial services. Equipment such as leaf blowers and chippers may only be used during designated hours (typically 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekends) to minimize noise. Commercial landscapers must be licensed and comply with disposal regulations, including proper transport and documentation of organic waste. Right-of-way regulations prohibit placement of materials in streets or blocking sidewalks. The Building Department oversees enforcement, issues citations for violations, and provides guidance on compliance:

Building Division
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 547-5250
Official Website: Building Division

For further information on state and federal requirements, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.