Lake County Gazette

Residents of Waukegan are being reminded of the procedures for the 2025 leaf collection program. Leaves must be raked onto the parkway in front of homes for pickup, following a scheduled collection that occurs weekly and not on regular service days. The city has introduced new trucks equipped with automated arms that extend about nine feet to collect leaves.

Officials have asked residents not to rake leaves around obstacles such as poles, fire hydrants, or mailboxes, as the automated arm cannot reach these areas. Additionally, leaves should not be placed around parked cars or raked into the street. Leaves should not be put in plastic bags unless bagged with a sticker; otherwise, they will not be collected. Leaf burning is strictly prohibited.

The schedule may change due to weather conditions and how quickly leaves fall. Leaf piles that are frozen will not be collected. All vacuum trucks used for leaf collection have cameras and GPS tracking to monitor service and ensure accountability. In case of complaints, video footage can verify if leaves were present at the time of collection and confirm whether all designated areas were serviced.

For further information, residents can call (844) 633-3577.