The only acceptable methods for having your yard waste collected weekly will be in a yard waste toter, landscape waste paper bags, or bundles being bound with string or twine and sticker.
Should a resident wish to have yard waste picked up by the waste hauler, a decision must be made regarding the pickup options. This initial information is designed to stimulate our residents to evaluate current needs and select an option which is best suited to their needs.
Landscape waste is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as grass or shrubbery cuttings, leaves, tree limbs and other materials accumulated as a result of the care of lawns, shrubbery, vines, and trees.
Yard waste may be disposed by one of the following options:
- 95 gallon toter - Residents can rent a 95 gallon toter directly from NuWay Disposal (708) 479-9555. The rental charge includes the rental of the toter as well as the cost of collecting the yard waste. Collection of yard waste is done weekly, on the same day as regular garbage collection.
From April through November the toter may be used for yard waste only. From December to March, residents may use the toter for regular garbage only.
- Paper bags with stickers - Another option available to residents for yard waste disposal is the purchase of biodegradable paper bags available at local grocery, discount, and hardware stores. The price of the bags does not include collection and disposal costs, therefore each bag must display a yard waste sticker. Stickers may be purchased at the Village Hall, as well as any of the merchants listed below, at a cost of $3.10 each (subject to change). Collection is done weekly, on the same day as regular garbage collection (April through November).
For more information: Visit Nu-Way Disposal Website
Branch Disposal
Branches can be disposed of weekly with your regular Tuesday garbage service, from April through November. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Branches should be cut down to a length no greater than 3-4 feet.
- Bundles of branches should be no wider than 6 inches in diameter.
- Branches can be placed in brown paper yard waste bags, gathered into reasonably-sized bundles tied with twine or string, or placed in an approved yard waste toter.
- Each bag or bundle (not in a yard waste toter) must have a yard waste sticker attached to it in order to be picked up.
If you live in a townhome and have yard waste bags in need of
disposal, we recommend you call NuWay ahead of time, (708) 479-9555.
Open Burning
Although the Village's Open Burning Ordinance provides Village officials
with the ability to take enforcement action against violators (who
reside within the corporate limits of the Village) when necessary, the
provisions of the Ordinance are unenforceable on those who reside in
unincorporated areas, where the burning of such waste is generally
permitted.
Residents who may be affected by smoke emanating from within the
corporate limits of the Village, or whom are unsure of the source of the
problem, are asked to call the Mokena Police at (708) 479-3912 for
problem resolution. The landscape waste burning provisions of the
Illinois Administrative Code and the Mokena Village Code are enforceable
"on-sight" by authorized enforcement personnel; therefore, those
residents who call to place complaints regarding such burning are not
required to leave their names, sign formal complaints, or testify in
court.
Questions regarding this information on open burning may be directed to the Mokena Police Department at (708) 479-3912.
The Village Board of Trustees adopted an Ordinance that prohibited any
Village resident from openly burning any garbage or yard waste (leaves,
twigs/branches, grass). The Ordinance was adopted in an effort to
protect the health and safety of Village residents, as well as those
working in or passing through the community. Many people are adversely
affected by the smoke that is produced by such open burning.
In essence, the Ordinance declares that the open burning of garbage,
yard waste, and recyclable materials is prohibited. These open burning
restrictions pertain only to outdoor fires and do not restrict fires in
indoor fireplaces or stoves.
The Ordinance provides for "recreational fires" that are properly
supervised, contained, and primarily used to cook food. Additionally,
"mason’s fires" (used for construction purposes) are also allowed by the
Ordinance.
General questions regarding the Village's Leaf/Branch Pick-Up program
may be directed to the Public Works Department at (708) 479-3900.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website
Seasonal Free Leaf & Branch Pick-Up
Leaf and branch pick up is a long-standing service
provided free of charge by the Village throughout the corporate limits
of Mokena.
Village crews pick up leaves, branches, twigs, and limbs--free of charge--four times per year.
Two pick-ups are made in the fall during the heavy leaf
drop season, and two pick-ups are made again in the spring. Pick-up
dates will be posted on Comcast Channel 6, on the Village's website, on
your water bill, and in various other publications prior to each
season.
Residents MUST contact the Village, prior to the scheduled pick-up date,
to arrange for a pick-up --- Either by calling (708) 479-3900 or by
submitting a request electronically here.
Residents are asked to place leaves in plastic or paper bags (maximum 55
gallon capacity) at the curb the day prior to pick-up. Any brand or
type of bag may be used. Landscape stickers are not required for
pick-up. Only tree limbs or branches will be picked up from the curb
at this time and should be placed in bundles no more than three feet in
length.
Grass clippings or yard waste are not picked up as part of this
program.
Where can I buy yardwaste stickers?
- Village of Mokena, 11004 Carpenter St
- Berkot’s, 20005 S. Wolf Rd
- Currency Exchange, 19137 S. Wolf Rd, Unit 3
- Brookhaven Marketplace, 19818 S. LaGrange Rd
- Whitmore ACE Hardware, 11600 Francis Rd
In Frankfort:
- Village of Frankfort, 432 Nebraska
- Alsip Nursery, 20601 S LaGrange
- Golden Gate Nursery, 22200 S. LaGrange
- Jewel-Osco, 21164 S. LaGrange Rd
- Saunoris Brothers Inc, 19600 Harlem
- Currency Exchange, 9500 W. Lincoln Highway
- Walgreens, 11200 W Laraway Rd
- Park ACE Hardware, 21150 S. LaGrange Rd
In New Lenox:
- Village of New Lenox, 1 Veterans Parkway
- Jewel-Osco, 2021 W. Laraway Rd
- Jewel-Osco, 475 Nelson Rd
- Whitmore ACE Hardware, 358 W. Maple Rd
- Jewel-Osco, 17930 S. Wolf Rd
As of April 11, 2024