Springtime In McHenry County

It's Spring! That means time to clean up leaves, shrubbery cuttings, and tree limbs that have collected over the winter. The first thought is to gather it together and burn it.

But in McHenry County there is a Public Health Ordinance: Open Burning of Landscape Waste. It permits residents to burn landscape waste on Saturdays and Sundays during April, May, October and November. Additionally, the burn area must meet setback requirements of at least 100 feet from a school, business, church or house; 50 feet from a barn, shed or detached garage.

Also most municipalities have ordinances which restrict or prohibit the burning of yard waste. In areas where there is not a ban, or more restrictive ordinance, the County ordinance, which is in effect year-round, must be followed.

Environmentally Sound Practices

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages a more environmentally sound approach:

• Reduce/Reuse - Use a mulching mower for grass and leaves or a chipper for branches. Native landscaping will also reduce the need for yard waste. 
• Recycle - Composting landscape waste can reduce material volume by 70 - 80% and act as a soil conditioner to improve plant growth. 
• Disposal - Licensed municipal waste haulers in McHenry County are required to provide pick up of landscape waste from residential customers; an additional fee may apply.  Some waste haulers contract with municipalities, neighbors and homeowner associations to provide collection of landscape waste. Residents are encouraged to work collectively with neighbors and associations for the most economical solution for their neighborhood. Residents may also drop off landscape waste at a local facility that composts these materials into organic compounds for reuse. A listing of these services is available at www.mcdh.info, under Environmental Health, quick link – Open Burning, “other alternatives”.

Communities with ordinances that meet or exceed County standards, as well as those with total bans on burning are also listed. Call local police, fire or MCDH non-emergency number for enforcement of open burning issues. If reporting an emergency complaint that is life threatening or is a fire safety issue, call 911. Residents may also call the health department’s after-hours phone number 815-344-7421 for assistance.

Complete details about the Ordinance and suggested alternatives are available online the Department’s webpage at www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4585.