Full Notification

Send on Behalf of McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH):

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents that year-round burning restrictions are in effect regarding the proper disposal of landscape waste on your property. Landscape waste consists of grass or shrubbery cuttings, leaves and tree limbs. The “McHenry County Public Health Ordinance: Open Burning of Landscape Waste” permits unincorporated residents to burn landscape waste on weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays) during April, May, October and November if the burn area meets the setback requirements of at least 100 feet from a school, business, church or house; 50 feet from a barn, shed or detached garage. Burning of any materials (e.g. cardboard, paper, plastics, construction materials) other than onsite-generated landscape waste is prohibited at all times.

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. Please be advised that an Illinois EPA, Bureau of Air, Application for Open Burning Permit is required for habitat reclamation burns regardless of acreage. For more information, please contact the Illinois EPA, Bureau of Air Permit Section at (217) 782-2113.

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.

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 an approved compost facility or landscape waste transfer station; an additional fee may apply. 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 the McHenry County Department of Health at 815-334-4585 (after hours at 815-344-7421) or your local police or fire 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.

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