BURNING LANDSCAPE WASTE NOT ALLOWED IN UNINCORPORATED DUPAGE COUNTY

WHEATON―  As the DuPage County Board recognizes May as “World Asthma Month,” DuPage County Board Member Jeff Redick (District 2) wants to remind residents that burning landscape waste in unincorporated DuPage County is not allowed under a County ordinance passed in 1990.

The ordinance was adopted to protect the health, welfare and safety of DuPage County residents as well as to maintain acceptable ambient air quality.  Residents are prohibited from burning landscape waste such as leaves, shrubs and grass clippings and tree limbs.  Exceptions to the ordinance include recreational burning such as barbecues, campfires and fire pits, which are allowed provided only clean, dry firewood is burned.  Additionally, special event bonfires may require approval from your local fire department. 

“Spring outdoor clean-up, including the trimming of trees and shrubs, can produce a good deal of landscape waste,” commented Redick, Chairman of DuPage County’s Environmental Committee. “It is important to remember however, that burning is not the proper way to safely dispose of your landscape waste.  To properly dispose of your landscape waste, contact your waste hauler, local municipality or township and ask about their brush pickup program.”

Open burning is considered a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine of between $500 and $1,000.