Peoria Standard

Residents of Waukegan are being reminded about the procedures for the 2025 leaf collection program. Leaves should be raked onto the parkway in front of homes, not into the street or around obstacles such as poles, fire hydrants, or mailboxes. The city notes that "there are no rakers," and collection will be handled by new trucks with automated arms that can reach up to nine feet.

Leaf collection is scheduled weekly but does not coincide with regular service days. LRS, the company responsible for pickup, has stated it will "try to adhere to this schedule as closely as possible," though weather and the pace at which leaves fall may require daily adjustments.

The guidelines specify that leaves should not be placed around parked cars since they cannot be collected in those situations. Residents are also advised against bagging leaves unless using a stickered bag, and plastic bags should not be used. Leaf burning remains prohibited within city limits.

If leaf piles become frozen, they will not be collected. The city’s vacuum trucks have cameras and GPS tracking installed to monitor service and address complaints. In case of disputes, footage can confirm whether leaves were present on the parkway when crews passed by and verify that all designated areas received service.

For further information about leaf collection procedures or to report concerns, residents can call (844) 633-3577.