Since leaf pick-up is provided during regular trash/recycling collection, it's important to place leaves into paper bags or properly marked "Yard Waste" containers (per information shown above). The Village encourages residents to check on nearby storm drains and to help keep them flowing by removing accumulated debris. Here are five important reasons to NOT rake or blow leaves into the street:

1. Accumulated leaves can block storm drains. Piled leaves can block storm drains, and during heavy rains or ice/slush storms it can quickly lead to flooding and potential property damage. When raking or blowing fallen leaves in the fall and spring, please ensure they're properly bagged and not piled in the street.
2. Excessive decayed leaves in storm drains can alter ecosystems. As our storm water drains into the Fox River, smaller tributaries and retention ponds, the high concentration of nutrients in decayed leaves can lead to algae blooms in larger bodies of water.
3. Piles of leaves in the street are a safety hazard. There is no way of knowing the road conditions under the leaves, which could lead to unforeseen obstacles for drivers, cyclists and joggers.
4. A shift in wind direction could send all of those leaves from the street back into your front yard (or your neighbor's yard), resulting in double the clean-up work.
5. Street sweepers are designed and engineered to remove debris and residue from the street surface and curb line. A continuous build-up of leaves congests the sweepers and runs the risk of the sweepers catching fire. For safety, street sweepers will steer around any leaves raked or blown into the street. The contractor reserves the right to reschedule a sweep cycle if too many leaves have accumulated on the street and at the curb line.