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Spring Sustainability Events
This spring, the City of Des Plaines is offering several sustainability-focused events, including a community shredding event and a neighborhood cleanup. Whether you're getting a head start ahead of Earth Month or celebrating it through local action, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
March 28: Spring Community Paper Shredding Event
Spring into action and declutter the eco-friendly way! Join us for the Spring Shred Event on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Public Works facility (1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road). Safely dispose of sensitive documents and help reduce landfill waste. Please note the following guidelines:
- This event is available to residents of Des Plaines only. Proof of residency may be required. Business materials are not accepted.
- There is a 2-box maximum per vehicle and only paper products will be accepted. Staples and paper clips are allowed, but binders, binder clips, butterfly clips, rubber bands, and other metal or plastic should be removed before disposal.
- Three ring binders and the like cannot be put into the machine. Paper in binders will need to be removed prior to shredding.
- The shredder can only take paper. Please plan to take back any bags or boxes you bring your paper in.
- Event is first come, first served. Once the shredding truck has reached capacity, the event will conclude.
For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/sustainability.
April 11: Earth Month Clean Up at Axehead Lake
The City of Des Plaines hosts an annual group trash clean up with Clean Up - Give Back during Earth Month where dozens of volunteers join us at Axehead Lake to help beautify our community. Save the date for Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Axehead Lake (use the Chippewa Woods entrance located at 2760 S. River Rd.). Gloves, grabbers, safety vests, and trash bags will be provided. In case of severe weather, a cancellation will be communicated through the City of Des Plaines Facebook page. This event is FREE and open to the community. You can register in advance and check out other upcoming clean ups at cleanupgiveback.org. Walk-ups are welcome.
For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/sustainability.
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Community Garage Sale
The 2026 Community Garage Sale will take place Friday, May 1; Saturday, May 2; and Sunday, May 3. The event covers all Des Plaines zip codes and runs from 8 a.m. to sunset each day, rain or shine.
Participation is free. The sign-up form for participating addresses will be available next week, and City staff will create an interactive map showing the types of items available at each location. Get ready to explore the neighborhood and uncover hidden treasures!
For more information, visit desplainesil.gov/communitygaragesale.
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Summer Events
We’re less than two months away from the start of our summer event season, and there’s plenty to look forward to. From Tuesday evening Food Truck Round Ups to the Taste of Des Plaines and other returning favorites, this year’s lineup will once again bring great food, live entertainment, and community fun all season long!
2026 Event Schedule Video
Want to see what’s ahead? Watch our 2026 Events Schedule Video for a quick look at this year’s full lineup and event dates.
May 19: Food Truck Round Up Returns
Grab your forks and your friends! Our annual Food Truck Round Up series returns this summer, once again serving up tasty bites and toe-tapping beats for residents of all ages.
The first stop is set for Tuesday, May 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park & Conservatory (395 W Algonquin Road). Follow the City of Des Plaines on social media to see which food trucks and bands will be rolling in.
More chances to enjoy food and fun will come later in the summer:
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Tuesday, July 21 at Metropolitan Square
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Tuesday, August 18 at Library Plaza
Visit desplainesil.gov/foodtruckroundup to see all the details and mark your calendar for a summer of food and fun.
June 19–20: Taste of Des Plaines Takes Over Downtown
Get ready for the Taste of Des Plaines on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20. This fan-favorite festival serves up live music, bites from area restaurants, kid-friendly activities, a beer garden, and plenty of summer fun. We invite you to make a reservation on your calendar now and watch for the full menu of events coming soon!
For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/taste.
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City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300 |
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
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