"Clean up, Evanston!" April 25

In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the City of Evanston will host "Clean up, Evanston!," a community-wide clean-up event on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This year's event will also feature mulching and tree plantings at Ladd Arboretum and Lovelace Park. For details on how to sign up and work day specifics, visit cityofevanston.org/earthday.

Tips for Better Mulching: No Volcanoes!

It's spring...hooray! With warmer weather, many are starting to think about tree care, especially mulching and watering. Below are a few tips that can improve tree health in your parkway and yard. Additional information can be found at the Morton Arboretum website. When applying mulch, be sure to use between 2 to 4 inches around trees. Avoid mulch volcanoes! Mulch should never touch the tree's trunk. Mulch can actually prevent moisture and air from reaching a tree if it is too close to the trunk. As the weather heats up, make sure to water trees, especially new ones. Details on tree care can be found here >>>

Spring Bulk Trash Pick-ups

The City of Evanston Streets & Sanitation Division offers the FREE removal of up to six cubic yards of bulk garbage twice per year. Spring 2015 bulk trash pick-ups will take place on Fridays, April 17 through May 8, and are scheduled according to residents’ normal refuse pick-up day. View guidelines >>>

Composting Resources Available

The Illinois Food Scrap Coalition (IFSC) has developed some great information and tools for composting. The organization also continues to work tirelessly to expand composting opportunities in Illinois.

For all you composters out there, the IFSC wants to know why your organization or business composts. Provide your input and you'll be eligible to be a part of their recently launched "We Compost" recognition program. "We Compost" asks institutions, businesses and restaurants to fill out this short form and submit a few images of their organization composting.

City of Evanston Named Tree City USA for 31st Consecutive Year

The City of Evanston has been named a 2014 Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 31st consecutive year that Evanston has achieved the recognition. The City was also honored with the Arbor Day Foundation’s 2014 Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care. The City of Evanston's Division of Forestry, which takes care of the City's public trees, is in charge of over 30,000 trees of all types, ages, size and species. Details >>>

Save the Date

Back in the Saddle, Again: Part II Wed., Apr. 22, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Clean up, Evanston! Sat., Apr. 25, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

National Drinking Water Week: May 3-9

Water Plant Tours May 9

The City of Evanston's Department of Utilities is hosting two free tours of the Evanston Water Treatment Facility at 555 Lincoln St. on Saturday, May 9. Tours are in conjunction with the celebration of National Drinking Water Week (the first full week of May).

Space is limited and reservations are required. Event details >>>

Water Usage Management Tool

City of Evanston water customers are now able to monitor their household's water usage in real time by signing up for Neptune IQ.

This online service is free to use. Full details can be found here >>>

Rent Rocket

Are you currently renting or looking to rent in Evanston? Rent Rocket is a handy tool that allows you to upload and search for utility cost information for buildings. Visit Rent Rocket now to input your building's utility information.

Chemical & Electronic Waste Drop-off

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) has released its 2015 guide to disposing of household chemicals and electronics recycling events.

Visit SWANCC.org for detailed information on the permanent electronic recycling locations as well as the four designated household chemical drop-off locations.

Be sure that all household chemicals are disposed of correctly and, when in doubt, please consult the Household Hazardous Waste section of the IEPA website.