Homewood Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

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

Homewood offers a robust seasonal green waste collection program, typically operating from early April through late November, with weekly curbside pickup by neighborhood. Residents should place biodegradable paper bags or properly bundled brush at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled 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 provides a municipal composting initiative, with finished compost available for residents and community gardens, and periodic educational workshops on sustainable yard care. For larger loads, the Transfer Station accepts organic waste during posted hours; residents must present proof of residency and may be subject to volume limits and nominal fees. Specialized services include brush pickup (bundles up to 4 feet long and 50 pounds), Christmas tree collection in January, and emergency storm debris management. For detailed schedules, preparation requirements, and permit information, contact:

Homewood Department of Public Works
17755 S Ashland Ave., Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3470
Official Website: Public Works Department

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

Homewood'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 conditions slow organic matter decomposition, making proper green waste management essential to prevent accumulation and nutrient runoff. The village's mature tree canopy—dominated by oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust—produces significant seasonal leaf and branch volume, especially in autumn. Homewood's climate, with a long growing season, frequent precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles, further influences green waste generation and decomposition rates. Severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, can result in sudden surges of storm debris, requiring coordinated municipal response. Residents should be mindful of these local factors when preparing green waste for collection and on-site management.

Homewood's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Illinois law, under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, prohibits the disposal of yard waste in landfills and mandates organic waste diversion. Homewood enforces these requirements through curbside collection, composting programs, and resident education. Commercial entities and landscaping contractors must comply with additional diversion and reporting standards. The village coordinates with regional composting facilities and tracks waste diversion to meet Illinois Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Enforcement includes periodic inspections, warnings, and fines for non-compliance, while educational outreach helps residents understand proper sorting and preparation. Community composting initiatives and technical assistance are available to support compliance and promote sustainable practices. For zoning and compliance questions, contact:

Homewood Community Development Department
2020 Chestnut Rd., Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3387
Official Website: Community Development Department

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

Residents must follow specific guidelines to ensure efficient and compliant green waste collection:

• Acceptable materials: grass clippings, leaves (all species), garden debris, brush and branches (under 4 feet long, 50 pounds per bundle), pumpkins, Christmas trees, holiday greenery, hedge trimmings, weeds
• Prohibited materials: treated lumber, construction debris, diseased plant materials, invasive species (buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard), contaminated organics, stumps, roots, soil, rocks, plastic containers
• Preparation: use biodegradable paper bags for loose materials, bundle branches with natural twine, remove all plastic, wire, and inorganic debris, keep materials dry to prevent bag breakage
• Curbside placement: set out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, at least three feet from storm drains and utilities
• Storm debris: separate organic from construction debris, follow emergency collection instructions, and prioritize safety during cleanup

For questions about preparation or prohibited materials, contact:

Homewood Building Department
2020 Chestnut Rd., 2nd Floor, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3856
Official Website: Building Division / Building Permits

Homewood Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste activities near Homewood's streams, wetlands, and conservation areas are subject to additional oversight to protect sensitive habitats. Buffer zones restrict green waste placement near water bodies, and natural leaf retention may be required in designated conservation areas to support soil health and wildlife. Invasive species must be bagged and disposed of according to municipal and Illinois Department of Natural Resources protocols to prevent spread. Seasonal restrictions may apply during bird nesting periods, and residents are encouraged to leave some natural debris in appropriate areas for wildlife shelter. Coordination with municipal and state agencies ensures compliance and supports Homewood's biodiversity goals. For more information, consult:

Homewood Parks and Recreation Department
2010 Chestnut Rd., Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 957-0300
Official Website: H-F Park District

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

Proper green waste management is vital for protecting Homewood's water resources, including Butterfield Creek and nearby wetlands. The village operates under the EPA NPDES MS4 permit, requiring measures to prevent organic matter from entering storm drains and waterways. Residents should avoid placing green waste near storm inlets and follow guidelines to prevent nutrient runoff, which can cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion in local water bodies. Composting and mulching help retain nutrients on-site, reducing the risk of water pollution. These practices also support Homewood's climate action and sustainability initiatives by enhancing soil health and reducing landfill methane emissions. For more on water quality protection, see the Clean Water Act and U.S. EPA Region 5.

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

Homewood encourages residents to adopt sustainable on-site green waste practices, including backyard composting, mulch-mowing, and grasscycling. Compost bins should be placed at least 10-20 feet from property lines and 50-100 feet from wells, with size limits per local ordinance. Maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (browns to greens), monitor moisture, and turn piles regularly to prevent odors and pests. Prohibited in home composting: meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, invasive species, and chemically treated materials. Mulch-mowing leaves into lawns is recommended for light coverage and well-drained soils, while brush chipping can provide mulch for gardens. Rain gardens and naturalized areas further support sustainable yard care. For composting resources, visit University of Illinois Extension.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Homewood, IL?

Homewood's neighborhoods each present unique green waste management needs:

• Ravinia/Old Homewood: Mature oaks and maples, large lots, high fall leaf volume, alley and curbside pickup, historic homes with composting structure restrictions
• Southgate: Mix of single-family and multi-family, moderate tree cover, shared green waste responsibilities, proximity to Butterfield Creek requiring buffer compliance
• Governors Park: Dense canopy, intensive gardening, frequent spring/fall cleanups, narrow streets affecting collection vehicle access
• Homewood Estates: Newer developments, younger trees, lower initial green waste but increasing as landscapes mature, modern infrastructure
• Downtown Homewood: Urban density, limited on-site management options, street trees, alley collection, commercial property compliance
• Heather Hill: Senior community, large yards, additional support for green waste handling, naturalized areas adjacent to conservation land
• Flossmoor Road Corridor: Floodplain proximity, seasonal disposal timing, prairie restoration areas, native plantings, environmental compliance focus

Each area is served by the municipal collection program, with adjustments for landscape, property, and environmental features.

Homewood Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Homewood regulates green waste equipment operation to minimize noise and environmental impact. Lawn and leaf equipment may only be used during designated hours, typically 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Commercial service providers must be licensed and comply with disposal regulations, including proper transport and documentation of organic waste diversion. Residents and contractors are prohibited from placing green waste in the public right-of-way outside of scheduled collection periods. Enforcement includes warnings, fines, and, for repeat violations, administrative hearings. For ordinance details and permit requirements, contact:

Homewood Department of Public Works
17755 S Ashland Ave., Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 206-3470
Official Website: Public Works Department

By following these guidelines and participating in Homewood's green waste programs, residents contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable community, supporting local environmental goals and compliance with state and federal regulations.