Lombard Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

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

Lombard offers a robust seasonal green waste collection program, typically running from early April through late November, with weekly curbside pickup by neighborhood. Residents should place biodegradable paper yard waste bags or properly bundled brush at the curb by 6 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 is often extended to accommodate increased volume. The Village also supports municipal composting through regional partnerships, making finished compost available for community gardens and resident use. The Transfer Station accepts organic waste during posted hours, requiring a resident permit or sticker, with volume limits and modest fees per load. Special services include brush pickup (bundles up to 4 feet long, 50 pounds), Christmas tree collection in January, and emergency storm debris management. For more information, contact:

Lombard Public Works Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5740
Official Website: Lombard Public Works Department

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

Lombard's landscape is shaped by prairie clay and glacial till soils, which are moderately to poorly drained and high in clay content, slowing organic matter decomposition. According to the USDA Web Soil Survey, these soils retain moisture but can impede aeration, making proper green waste management essential to prevent anaerobic conditions and odors. The community's tree canopy is dominated by oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust, resulting in heavy leaf drop in autumn and significant brush generation after storms. Lombard's climate features a long growing season, frequent spring rains, and freeze-thaw cycles that affect both green waste volume and collection timing. Severe weather, including tornadoes and heavy winds, can rapidly increase debris, while urban heat island effects may accelerate decomposition in some areas. These local factors require adaptive collection schedules and careful material preparation.

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

Illinois law prohibits yard waste disposal in landfills, as outlined in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, and mandates municipal diversion programs. Lombard enforces these requirements through weekly curbside collection, resident education campaigns, and coordination with regional composting facilities. Commercial landscapers and institutions must comply with organic waste diversion, using permitted facilities and tracking disposal. The Village provides clear guidelines, monitors compliance, and issues warnings or fines for improper disposal. Resident education is supported by workshops and informational materials, while the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency oversees facility permitting, diversion tracking, and technical assistance. Lombard's approach emphasizes landfill diversion, environmental protection, and community participation in sustainable waste management.

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

Residents must follow specific guidelines to ensure efficient and compliant green waste collection. Acceptable materials include:

• Grass clippings (fresh or dried)
• Deciduous and evergreen leaves
• Garden debris (vegetable waste, flower bed cleanings)
• Brush and branches (up to 4 feet long, 50 pounds per bundle)
• Pumpkins, Christmas trees, holiday greenery
• Hedge trimmings and weeds

Prohibited materials include:

• Treated lumber, construction debris
• Diseased plant materials (require special handling)
• Invasive species (buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard)
• Contaminated organics (paint, chemicals)
• Stumps and large roots

Preparation steps:

• Use biodegradable paper bags or bundle brush with natural twine
• Remove soil, rocks, plastic pots, and wire
• Place materials curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day
• Separate storm debris from construction waste after severe weather
• Avoid overfilling bags to prevent breakage

Lombard Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste activities near Lombard's streams, wetlands, and conservation areas are subject to additional oversight. Buffer zones must be maintained to prevent runoff and protect sensitive habitats. Organic materials may be used for erosion control in designated buffer areas, but leaf and brush piles are restricted to prevent nutrient loading. Invasive species must be bagged and disposed of at approved facilities to prevent spread, in coordination with municipal and Illinois Department of Natural Resources programs. Seasonal restrictions may apply during wildlife nesting periods, and natural debris should be left undisturbed in conservation zones to support habitat. For guidance on compliance, contact:

Lombard Community Development and Building Department
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5749
Official Website: Lombard Community Development and Building Department

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

Proper green waste management is vital for protecting Lombard's water resources, including the East Branch DuPage River and local wetlands. The Village operates under an NPDES MS4 permit, requiring measures to prevent organic matter from entering storm drains and waterways. Residents should avoid placing yard waste near storm inlets and follow staging guidelines to prevent runoff. Composting and mulching reduce nutrient loading, helping prevent algae blooms and oxygen depletion in local water bodies. These practices support compliance with the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requirements. Lombard's environmental programs also use finished compost for park soil improvement and community gardens, further enhancing water quality and sustainability. For more information, contact:

Lombard Environmental Programs
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5765
Official Website: Lombard Environmental Programs

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

Residents are encouraged to manage green waste on-site through composting and mulching, following local ordinances. Compost bins should be set back 10-20 feet from property lines and at least 50 feet from wells. Piles must be managed to prevent odors, pests, and runoff, with size limits per Village code. 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 for aeration and temperature control
• Exclude meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, and invasive species
• Use mulch-mowing and grasscycling for lawn care
• Integrate rain gardens and naturalized areas for sustainable landscaping

For composting education, visit the University of Illinois Extension.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lombard, IL?

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

• Downtown Lombard: Historic homes with mature oaks and maples, narrow streets, and alley collection; high fall leaf volume and spring brush.
• Butterfield East/West: Single-family homes with large yards, intensive gardening, and high brush output; proximity to floodplains requires careful timing.
• Manor Hill: Mix of older and newer homes, moderate tree canopy, and shared green space; multi-family properties may need extra support.
• Hammerschmidt Area: Dense tree cover, naturalized gardens, and adjacency to conservation areas; strict buffer zone compliance.
• Highland Lakes: Newer developments with young landscapes, less seasonal volume, but rapid growth in green waste as trees mature.
• Prairie Path Corridor: Properties near the Illinois Prairie Path and wetlands, requiring environmental sensitivity and stormwater management.
• Yorktown Area: Urban density, limited on-site management options, and commercial landscaping needs; focus on curbside collection and compliance.

Lombard Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Lombard regulates green waste equipment operation to minimize noise and environmental impact. Lawn and leaf equipment may only be used during designated hours, typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Commercial haulers must be licensed and comply with disposal regulations, including use of permitted composting facilities. Residents and contractors are prohibited from placing yard waste in the right-of-way outside of collection windows. The Village enforces these rules through code enforcement and public education. For ordinance details, contact:

Lombard Building Division
255 E. Wilson Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5750
Official Website: Lombard Building Division

For park and community garden support, contact:

Lombard Park District
227 W. Parkside Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 627-1281
Official Website: Lombard Park District

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