Mar 3, 2026
Chicago Yard Waste Pickup 2026: Schedule, Rules & What You Can (and Can't) Compost
Chicago Yard Waste Pickup 2026: Schedule, Rules & Composting Tips
Before you start your spring cleanup, here's what you need to know about Chicago's free yard waste program so your debris actually gets picked up.
How It Works
Chicago offers free yard waste collection from early April through late November. Pickup happens every other week on the same day as your regular garbage, alternating with recycling. Confirm your specific schedule at the Streets and Sanitation website or by calling 311.
What's Accepted (and What's Not)
Accepted: Leaves, grass clippings, garden plants, weeds, shrub trimmings, pine needles/cones, and branches under 4 feet long and 2 inches in diameter.
Not accepted: Dirt, sod, rocks, tree stumps, lumber, plastic pots, food waste, oversized branches, or anything in plastic bags.
How to Prepare Your Waste
Bags: Use kraft paper lawn bags only (no plastic, not even "biodegradable"). Max 50 lbs per bag.
Branches: Bundle with natural twine, under 4 feet long, under 50 lbs per bundle.
Containers: Rigid bins clearly labeled "Yard Waste" are fine. Loose leaves can go directly in containers.
Timing: Set materials out the night before or morning of your pickup day, not earlier.
Seasonal Tips
Spring: Spread large cleanups across multiple pickup dates. Rent a chipper for oversized branches.
Summer: Consider grasscycling (leaving clippings on the lawn) to reduce volume and return nutrients to your soil.
Fall: Rake frequently rather than waiting for all leaves to drop. Note the final pickup is usually mid-November.
Common Mistakes That Get Your Pickup Skipped
Using plastic bags (contaminates composting)
Mixing yard waste with regular trash
Exceeding the 50-lb limit per bag or bundle
Including prohibited materials like rocks, dirt, or oversized branches
Composting at Home
You can reduce curbside volume with basic backyard composting. Alternate "green" materials (grass, kitchen scraps) with "brown" materials (leaves, twigs), keep the pile moist, and turn it every few weeks. You'll have usable compost in 3-6 months.
Grasscycling is even simpler: just leave clippings on your lawn. It reduces fertilizer needs by up to 25% and does not cause thatch buildup when mowing regularly.
When City Pickup Isn't Enough
The city program won't cover large-scale tree removal, oversized branches, sod/dirt, or time-sensitive cleanups. Your options include facility drop-offs, landscaper removal, dumpster rentals (permit required for street placement), or private waste services.
At GreenWay we offer on-demand yard waste removal across the Chicago area with no size or volume restrictions, same-week availability, and proper composting disposal for both residential and commercial customers.
Contact us for a free quote to schedule your pickup.