Elgin's free bagged leaf pickup to start Oct. 1

The city of Elgin's free bagged leaf collection begins Thursday, Oct. 1, and on-street collection in designated areas begins Monday, Oct. 26. Yard waste bags will not require stickers for Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. Bagged leaves are collected weekly on residents' regular garbage pickup day. Bagged leaves will still be collected through Dec. 1-4, but stickers will be required. No yard waste will be collected Dec. 5 through March 31, 2021. Yard waste includes materials, such as leaves, brush, branches, grass clippings, plants, weeds and other similar waste. Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags (maximum 33 gallons and 45 pounds) for collection. City's on-street collection program in designated areas will begin Monday, Oct. 26. These programs help residents remove seasonal yard waste, and lessen the potential for flooding from excess leaves left in the street that can block storm sewer drains.