Barrington Hills Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

Contact Barrington Hills's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Green Waste Collection & Municipal Composting Programs

Barrington Hills offers a robust seasonal green waste collection program, typically operating from early April through late November, with weekly curbside pickup scheduled by neighborhood. Residents are required to place biodegradable paper bags or properly bundled branches at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection days, ensuring materials are at least three feet from storm drains and utility boxes. During peak fall leaf season, collection frequency may increase to accommodate higher volumes. The village partners with regional composting facilities, making finished compost available to residents for landscaping and community gardens, and occasionally offers bulk compost delivery and educational workshops. The Transfer Station accepts organic waste during posted hours; residents must present a valid permit or sticker, adhere to volume limits, and follow preparation guidelines (loose or bagged materials only, no plastic). Specialized services include brush and branch pickup (bundles up to 4 feet long and 50 pounds), Christmas tree collection in January, and emergency storm debris management. For more information, contact:

Barrington Hills Public Works Department (via Village of Barrington)
400 N. Northwest Highway
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 304-3316
Official Website: Barrington Hills Public Works Department

Understanding Green Waste Volume & Decomposition Dynamics in Barrington Hills's Prairie Clay & Glacial Till Soils

Barrington Hills is characterized by prairie clay and glacial till soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are moderately to poorly drained, with high clay content that slows organic matter decomposition and can lead to rapid green waste accumulation, especially after heavy rains. The village’s mature tree canopy—dominated by oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust—produces significant seasonal leaf and branch volume, particularly in autumn. The local climate, with a long growing season, frequent precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles, further influences green waste generation and collection timing. Severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, can result in sudden surges of storm debris. Residents should be aware that heavy, compacted soils may require additional management to prevent waterlogging and promote efficient decomposition.

Barrington Hills's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Illinois law, under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, prohibits the disposal of yard waste in landfills and mandates organic waste diversion. Barrington Hills enforces these requirements through regular curbside collection, resident education, and coordination with regional composting infrastructure. Commercial landscapers and institutions must comply with additional diversion and reporting requirements. The village provides clear guidelines on acceptable materials, preparation, and collection schedules, and conducts periodic outreach to promote compliance. Enforcement includes warnings and potential fines for non-compliance, with support for community composting initiatives and technical assistance available through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Residents are encouraged to participate in educational programs and to consult the village for updates on regulations and best practices.

Proper Preparation & Sorting of Green Waste Materials for Barrington Hills's Collection Programs

Residents must carefully sort and prepare green waste to ensure efficient collection and processing. Acceptable materials include:

• Grass clippings (fresh and dried)
• Deciduous and evergreen leaves
• Garden debris (vegetable waste, flower bed cleanings, pruned materials)
• Brush and branches (bundled, max 4 feet long, 50 pounds)
• Pumpkins, Christmas trees, holiday greenery
• Hedge trimmings and weeds

Prohibited materials:

• Treated lumber, construction debris
• Diseased plant materials (special handling required)
• Invasive species (buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard)
• Contaminated organics (paint, chemicals)
• Stumps and large roots

Preparation tips:

• Use biodegradable paper bags or bundle branches with natural twine
• Remove soil, stones, plastic pots, and wire
• Place materials curbside by 7:00 a.m. on collection day
• Separate storm debris from construction waste after severe weather

For questions about preparation or prohibited materials, contact:

Barrington Hills Building Department
112 Algonquin Road
Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 551-3003
Official Website: Barrington Hills Building Department

Barrington Hills Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste management in Barrington Hills must account for sensitive environmental features, including streams, wetlands, and conservation areas. Buffer zones are required near these areas to prevent nutrient runoff and protect water quality. Organic materials may be used for erosion control in designated buffer zones, but natural leaf retention is often mandated in conservation areas to support habitat. Invasive species must be bagged and disposed of according to municipal and Illinois Department of Natural Resources guidelines to prevent spread. Wildlife habitat protection is prioritized, with seasonal restrictions on debris removal during nesting periods and encouragement to leave some natural debris for shelter. Residents should coordinate with the village and IDNR for guidance on green waste activities near protected lands.

Protecting Barrington Hills's Water Quality Through Green Waste Management & NPDES Stormwater Compliance

Proper green waste management is essential for protecting Barrington Hills’s water resources, including local streams, wetlands, and the Fox River watershed. The village participates in the EPA NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, requiring measures to prevent organic matter from entering storm drains and waterways. Residents should avoid placing green waste near storm inlets and follow staging guidelines to prevent runoff. Composting and mulching reduce nutrient loading (nitrogen, phosphorus) that can cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies. These practices also support soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate action goals. For more information on water quality protection, visit the Clean Water Act and U.S. EPA Region 5.

On-Site Green Waste Management: Composting, Mulching & Sustainable Practices in Barrington Hills

Residents are encouraged to adopt sustainable on-site green waste management practices. Composting bins or piles must be set back 10-20 feet from property lines and at least 50-100 feet from wells, per local ordinances. Bins should not exceed size limits and must be managed to prevent odors, pests, and runoff. Effective composting in Illinois’s climate requires balancing carbon-rich browns (leaves, straw) with nitrogen-rich greens (grass, kitchen scraps), maintaining moisture, and turning piles for aeration. Materials prohibited in home composting include meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, invasive species, and chemically treated materials. Alternatives such as mulch-mowing leaves, brush chipping, and grasscycling are recommended for large properties. For composting guidance, contact:

University of Illinois Extension
Official Website: University of Illinois Extension

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Barrington Hills, IL?

Barrington Hills encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique green waste management needs:

• Spring Creek Valley: Large estates with mature oaks and maples, high seasonal leaf volume, and proximity to conservation areas requiring buffer compliance.
• Ridge Road Corridor: Properties with intensive landscaping, frequent brush and branch generation, and narrow streets affecting collection access.
• Otis Road & Countryside: Historic homes with dense tree canopy, early leaf drop, and floodplain locations necessitating careful disposal timing.
• Brinker Road Area: Newer developments with younger trees, lower initial waste volume, but increasing as landscapes mature.
• Bateman Road & Riding Center Vicinity: Adjacent to parklands and trails, with prairie restoration areas and special requirements for invasive species control.
• Haegers Bend: River-adjacent properties with wet soils, storm debris vulnerability, and environmental restrictions on disposal.
• Barrington Hills Estates: Senior communities and multi-family properties with shared green waste responsibilities and need for additional support.

Each area’s landscape, property type, environmental features, and infrastructure influence collection schedules, on-site management options, and compliance requirements. For neighborhood-specific guidance, contact:

Barrington Hills Parks and Recreation Department
361 Bateman Road
Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Official Website: Barrington Hills Park District & Forest Preserve

Barrington Hills Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Barrington Hills enforces municipal ordinances regulating green waste equipment operation and commercial services. Equipment such as chippers and mowers may only be operated during designated hours to minimize noise and disturbance. Commercial landscapers must be licensed and comply with disposal regulations, including proper transport and documentation of organic waste. Residents and contractors are prohibited from placing green waste in the public right-of-way outside of scheduled collection periods. Enforcement includes fines for violations and periodic inspections by the village. For details on current ordinances and compliance procedures, visit:

Barrington Hills Community Development/Environmental Services
112 Algonquin Road
Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 551-3000
Official Website: Village of Barrington Hills Official Website

By following these guidelines and participating in Barrington Hills’s green waste programs, residents contribute to a healthier environment, support regulatory compliance, and help sustain the village’s natural beauty for future generations.