Mundelein preps for leaf pickup

Now that autumn is here, Mundelein's annual leaf-collection program is set to launch later this month.

To participate, Mundelein residents must simply rake leaves to an unobstructed spot on the curb. Unlike residents in other towns, people in Mundelein don't need to put leaves in special paper bags marked with yard-waste stickers.

Leaf collection is set to begin Monday. The service usually ends Thanksgiving week but it will continue until all fallen leaves have been picked up, officials said.

As usual, Mundelein Disposal will handle the job.

Although the village has created a pickup schedule, residents shouldn't expect weekly collections, and service days may vary.

On Mondays, crews will collect leaves in neighborhoods west of Route 45, south of Route 176 and north of Diamond Lake Road.

On Wednesdays, crews will collect leaves in neighborhoods east of Route 45 and south of Route 176 and in the Diamond Lake area.

On Fridays, crews will collect leaves in all areas of Mundelein north of Route 176.

Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays are open, according to the schedule. Leaves won't be collected on Sundays.

Each area should be visited four times, officials said.

Last year, more than 2 million pounds of leaves were collected from more than 100 miles of village streets, according to a news release.

Collected leaves will be composted or applied to farmland, officials said.

For more information or to get information about the next local pickup date, call Mundelein Disposal at (847) 566-5159.