Open Burning and Landscape Waste Disposal Options in Unincorporated Lake County
Provide input at: lakecountyil.gov/openburninginput
Over the past two years, the Lake County Board Energy and Environment Committee has discussed alternatives to the open burning of landscape waste in the unincorporated areas to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents. To better inform policy decisions, Lake County seeks to learn more about how residents are currently disposing of their landscape waste, what types of open burning restrictions they may like to see, and to gauge community interest in consolidated waste hauling services.
Residents are encouraged to visit Lake County's interactive website to learn more about the issue by viewing current regulations, guidelines, maps, and more. The page also provides a way for the public to submit input, questions and concerns directly to the County's project team.
"We are the only county in the region that does not place restrictions on the burning of landscape waste throughout its unincorporated areas," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "Feedback on this important issue is welcomed from everyone in the community."
In February, the Lake County Board amended the temporary emergency ordinance to allow open burning on all properties in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The County Board first adopted the Lake County Temporary Emergency Public Nuisance Ordinance on May 12, 2020, enacting a temporary ban on open burning of specified landscape waste in the unincorporated area in recognition of the increased risk of negative health impacts from open burning on individuals infected with COVID-19. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, open burning was permitted seven days a week in unincorporated Lake County under certain circumstances.
Lake County is still in the early stages of considering reasonable permanent restrictions on open burning and consolidated waste hauling services in the unincorporated areas, and no final plans are being determined at this time. Public input submitted through the interactive website will aid the County's effort in finding viable alternative landscape disposal options for unincorporated residents.
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Contact
Arin Thrower Chief Communications Officer Email 847-377-2550
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