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Update on Open Burning Restrictions in Unincorporated Lake County
With autumn weather here and leaves starting to fall, we are providing you an update on open burning restrictions in unincorporated Lake County.
Open Burning Restrictions In Effect This Fall
At its September meeting, the Lake County Board extended the current temporary open burning ordinance that applies to unincorporated Lake County until January 1, 2022. The temporary ordinance allows:
- Open burning of specified landscape waste on all properties from sunrise to sunset only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- Open burning from sunrise to sunset on any day of the week if the burning occurs at least 500 feet from the nearest habitable structure
- Recreational fires that are no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes on all days of the week
Note that some unincorporated areas are also subject to its local fire protection district’s open burning rules, which may be more restrictive.
More information on the temporary ordinance can be found at lakecountyil.gov/openburning.
Permanent Open Burning Restrictions Under Consideration
Throughout 2021, the Lake County Board has been exploring options and alternatives for permanent restrictions on landscape waste open burning and consolidated waste hauling services (including landscape waste) in the unincorporated areas. Permanent restrictions and waste hauling services were last discussed at the Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee meeting on Sept. 1. No final action has been taken.
Per committee direction, Lake County staff is currently working this fall on amending the current ordinance to include permanent regulations on the open burning of landscape waste and a landscape waste hauling franchise program. These items will be discussed at a PWPT meeting at later date, and will be open to the public.
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Options to Consider this Fall
Autumn leaves are falling! If you want to try an alternative to burning your yard waste this autumn, consider mulching or composting.
Mulch leaves where they land—most mowers have mulching capabilities. Use the leaves on your garden or landscaped areas, or keep both the mulched leaves and grass on your lawn to improve soil, suppress weeds next spring, aid trees, and provide food for critters.
Use leaves and other yard materials as the building blocks to create great compost. Collect them to start composting in and around your home. Visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s website for helpful tips to start composting in and around our home.
Additional Information
There are many additional online resources available about property maintenance and best management practices. For more tips and information to incorporate conservation-friendly practices into your landscape around your home in Lake County, visit Openlands website.
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Stay informed
More details will be available in coming months when the Lake County PWPT Committee schedules its next discussion on this topic.
Make sure you’re signed up to Lake County’s dedicated open burning email list to ensure you receive the latest updates.
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