Curbside collection of yard waste in May

The Galena City Council voted in September 2022 to end opening burning in Galena for health safety reasons. To provide residents an alternative to burning, the City is offering free curbside pickup of yard waste the first four Tuesdays in May (May 2, 9, 16, 23). Curbside pickup is by appointment only as described below.  

The following rules apply to the free curbside pickup of yard waste:

1. Yard waste includes only organic materials, including grass, leaves, plants, brush, sticks and limbs.
2. Grass, leaves, and plants must be in either plastic or paper bags.
3. Sticks and limbs must be cut in lengths of four feet or less and bound with twine, if possible, for easy lifting.
4. Bags and bound sticks and limbs should be set at near the street and separate from garbage and recycling containers.
5. When setting the materials at the street, residents must call City Hall at 815-777-1050 or email matibagos@cityofgalena.org to schedule collection by the City crew.
6. Collection will occur on the Tuesdays of May 2, 9, 16, and 23).
7. The service is being offered at no cost to residents.

Beginning May 23, after the free curbside pickup period, resident who elect to set out yard waste at the curb for pickup must purchase a Yard Waste Tag at City Hall in accordance with regular policy. Each tag is $2.00. A tag must be attached to each bag. Sticks or tree limbs are not eligible for tags or curbside pickup.   

As an alternative to curbside pickup, residents may transport their yard waste to the old landfill site on Donegan Street. Please note that state law prohibits contractors from depositing landscape debris or any other materials at the old landfill site. No garbage, lumber or other materials are accepted at the facility.

The old landfill site is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.