By NORTHWEST HERALD

 

WOODSTOCK – As the leaves begin to fall, the McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents of area burning restrictions. Rules in place during April, May, October and November limit how residents may discard landscape waste. The Open Burning Ordinance allows residents to burn landscape waste on weekend days if they meet the setback requirements – between 100 and 500 feet from a school, business, church or house and 50 feet from a barn, shed or unattached garage.

Most municipalities have ordinances that 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. As an alternative, licensed waste haulers in McHenry County are required to provide residential pickup of landscape waste, although an additional charge might be charged. Homeowners also may drop off yard waste at a facility that composts it into organic compounds for re-use. A listing of services is available on the health department’s Web site, www.mcdh.info, and click on Environmental Health Division.

Details about the Open Burning of Landscape Waste ordinance is available online or by calling 815-334-4585. Communities with ordinances that meet or exceed county standards, as well as those with burning bans, also are listed. Enforcement issues should be directed to the local police, fire department or the health department. Residents also can call the health department’s after-hours phone number, 815-344-7421, for assistance.

 

 

Article link:

http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/09/25/r_toiqsaemqkul68waxj9g1g/