Yardwaste Management

GENERAL INFORMATION

Limbs and Branches: Limbs, branches, and wood set out for removal shall be tied securely in bundles not to exceed 48 inches in length. Bundles may not weight more than 35 lbs. and should be placed within three (3) feet of the curb or alley line (whichever location is established by hauler) no earlier than 24 hours before the established removal time.

Grass clippings: Landscape waste, (other than limbs and branches as cited above), shall be placed in paper compost bags OR approved containers (no larger than 32 gallon cans with tight fitting lids and opposing handles) marked with a yellow “Yard Waste Only” sticker. Containers and/or bags are to be placed within three (3) feet of the curb or alley line, whichever location is designated by hauler for pick up, no earlier than 24 hours before the established removal time. “Yard Waste Only” stickers may be obtained free of charge at the Water Payment Window, 2nd floor OR in the Economic & Urban Development Department on the 3rd floor of the Decatur Civic Center. IMPORTANT: If cans are used for yard waste removal, they must be solely designated for yard waste only. Regular refuse (garbage) will contaminate the composting facility.

Unlimited yard waste removal weekly: Unlimited collection of residential landscape waste weekly. However, between January 1 and March 31 annually, weekly removal of landscape waste shall only be provided upon customer request. Each request for weekly landscape waste removal shall be made to the hauler a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the (regularly) scheduled pick up day.

LAWS & REGULATIONS

Effective July 1, 1990: landscape waste was banned from Illinois landfills.

Effective October 1, 2000: landscape waste may not be burned anywhere within the corporate limits of the City of Decatur.

Effective January 1, 2006: January 1 through March 31 annually - unlimited yard waste will be removed only upon request to the hauler 24 hrs. prior to the scheduled pick up.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

There is one facility in Macon County that accepts yard waste and properly processes it:

Decatur-Macon County Composting Facility at 3520 N. Bearsdale Road can be reached at 217/424-1626. Their hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Please call for Saturday hours.) Dumping fee is based upon size of load. The facility accepts yard waste by the compost bag full, 32 gallon can, and varying truck load sizes. Please call the facility for fees and further clarification.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

The City of Decatur licenses haulers to collect and dispose of landscape waste from Decatur residents. For a flat monthly rate, residents receive unlimited weekly landscape waste collection.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR YARD WASTE

Here are suggested alternative ways of disposing of landscape waste:

MULCHING

What: Mulch is any organic material (wood chips, grass clippings, leaves or compost) that is spread over the soil to improve lawns and gardens. Mulch conserves moisture, controls weeds, prevents soil erosion, and regulates soil temperature.

How: The easiest way to mulch is by passing a mulching mower or blade over grass clippings and leaves. Otherwise, remove the grass catcher on your lawn mower and leave the grass on the lawn. You can also mow our lawn from the outside in for an improved mulch and lawn appearance. All mulched material can be left in place or applied to flower beds, vegetable gardens, trees, and shrubs.

COMPOSTING

What: Compost is a rich soil conditioner that results from the natural breakdown/decomposition of organic material. Compost is an excellent mulch and fertilizer because it enriches the soil by providing nutrients that improve plant growth. It also controls weed growth, improves soil texture and conserves water.

How: The least time consuming method of composting at home is by means of simple containers or open piles. Grass clippings, leaves, weeds, fruit and vegetable food waste can be used to create a compost pile. By maintaining sufficient moisture levels and air circulation, material will decompose into humus-rich soil in a few weeks-few months.

QUESTIONS????

Yard Waste Pick-up: Call your designated refuse hauler or the Environmental Standards Technician, City of Decatur: 424-2784

Community Facility: Decatur-Macon County Compost Facility at 424-1626

Composting and/or Mulching: Master Gardener, University of Illinois Extension Services - 877-6872