The Park Forest Public Works Department would like to remind residents that the yard waste pick-up service is set to resume next Tuesday, April 1.

Public Works Assistant Director Nicholas Christie explained that this service, provided by Homewood Disposal, operates from the first Tuesday in April through the last Tuesday in November, allowing residents to manage their yard debris effectively throughout the growing season. This only applies to single-family homeowners and not to areas with their own garbage service, such as the Co-Ops. 

Residents are encouraged to set out their yard waste, which includes leaves, grass clippings, branches, brush, shrub clippings, and other garden waste, in clearly designated bags or containers at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day. Christie noted that residents must remember that dirt, rocks, and gravel are not accepted as yard waste. 

Christie emphasized the importance of disposing of branches properly. Small branches, twigs, and broken branches can be placed in lawn waste bags or the blue bin. Larger branches should be bundled and tied together. Each bundle must not exceed five feet in length, and the branches should be secured for easier pick-up and to ensure employee safety. Additionally, no individual branch should be greater than four inches in diameter.

Alternative methods must be used to dispose of branches larger than four inches in diameter. Christie said it's best to contact a local landscaping or tree removal service for pricing and disposal options in such cases.

Park Forest residents can dispose of their yard waste every Tuesday. To participate, they should use 30-gallon biodegradable paper bags, which can be found at most local hardware stores.

Christie said it's important to note that each bag requires a Homewood Disposal sticker, which serves as proof of payment for the collection service. These stickers can be purchased at Village Hall at the Water Department during regular business hours for $3.30 each. 

Adherence to these guidelines properly ensures that yard waste is collected efficiently and that residents contribute effectively to the community's waste management efforts.

Residents in single-family homes also have the option to rent a blue 95-gallon yard waste bin from Homewood Disposal. Information about pricing and renting additional blue bins can be provided by calling Homewood Disposal at 708-748-8381.