It’s that time of the year again where the streets, sidewalks and yards in your neighborhood are littered with the yellow and orange leaves of fall.
Though the sight may be perfect for an autumn-themed photo shoot with the family, the piles of dead leaves can quickly become a nuisance to rake and dispose of.
But is it legal to burn leaves in Illinois? Here’s what the law says.
Is it legal to burn leaves in Illinois?
There is no state law or regulatory ban on leaf burning, meaning it is generally permissable in Illinois, according to the state Environmental Protection Agency website.
This still depends on the local laws and ordinances in your area, however, as units of local government have the authority to impose limitations on when leaves can be burned, what types of material can be burned, etc.
The site says leaves can only be burned in the place where they were produced or at a facility provided or supervised by the local government, except in municipalities with populations of more than 400,000.
“In addition, certain restrictions, including meteorological conditions and reasonable times/places and manner must be observed,” according to the site.
When will fall leaves peak in Illinois?
The Illinois Fall Foliage Map said leaves would likely start changing towards the end of September, reaching their peak color in late October. The map predicted the shift would occur first in northern and western Illinois before reaching the rest of the state. The colors will likely be past their prime by mid-November.
The Illinois Fall Colors Trip Planner, powered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, shows a similar timeline, with the change in colors gradually shifting south over time. The planner predicts colors will reach their peak in the second week of October in northern Illinois, late October in central Illinois and the last week of October in southern and southwest Illinois.
Meanwhile, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says foliage will start to change in the Midwest by late September, with the leaves in some areas passing their prime by Oct. 4. This will be paired with a cooler and drier autumn this year, according to the almanac.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois open burning laws 2025. Is it legal to burn leaves?
