ELGIN, IL (Feb. 17, 2026) —The City of Elgin public works department will offer a special on-street leaf collection from Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16 to make up for the final pickup week that was suspended due to the winter storm. This service is available to residents in the city’s four designated on-street collection areas. 

How to participate:

Residents in designated areas may begin raking leaves into the street starting Monday, April 6. 

Do not place leaves in the street before April 6. Early placement can block storm drains and create traffic hazards. 

Follow these guidelines: 

• Rake leaves to the curb line only.
• Do not place leaves in traffic lanes.
• Keep piles free of branches, rocks and other debris.
• Do not block sidewalks, driveways or storm drains.

View if your address qualifies for on-street leaf collection. 

Yard waste and organics collection resumes April 1 

Citywide curbside yard waste and organics collection through Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) resumes Wednesday, April 1. 

Beginning April 1, residents may place yard waste in brown paper yard waste bags or yard waste and organics carts. Materials should be set out on regular waste and recycling collection days. 

This curbside program is separate from on-street leaf collection and is available to all residents citywide. There is no additional cost for yard waste and organics collection beyond regular waste and recycling service. To sign up to receive a free organics collection cart, visit elginil.gov/LRSElgin. 

Street sweeping 

Residents may see street sweepers operating throughout March and early April as weather conditions improve. 

Street sweeping is part of the city’s regular seasonal maintenance program and is separate from on-street leaf collection. Sweepers operating before the April 13 leaf collection start date will not collect leaves. 

Street sweeping takes place throughout the year to keep streets clean and help protect the stormwater system.