The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, April 13 through Friday, May 1, 2020.  However due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited staffing, leaf bags will only be available at the Public Works Department, 1309 Mill Street, Monday-Friday, from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, beginning on Monday, April 6.

In order to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to receive leaf bags, residents will only be given a maximum of 20 bags per day. Residents must provide proof of Rock Island residence through a photo ID or official mail in order to receive leaf bags.

The bags provided by the City may only be used during this Leaf Collection Program or in future Leaf Collection Programs.

Customers must place the leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. Customers may provide their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags provided by the City.  The bags must be placed at the normal refuse collection location on the regular refuse collection day (a separate truck will collect the leaf bags).  The bags may not contain anything other than leaves.

Residents do not have to be participants in the Yard Waste Subscription Service to use this leaf collection service and they do not have to place a yard waste sticker on the bags of leaves.

Grass clippings, leaves, or other materials are not allowed to be placed into the street or dumped into ravines where they can be washed into the storm water system.  Debris can restrict the storm water flow and cause flooding.  Violations of the Storm Water Control Ordinance are subject to fines from $250 to $1,500 per violation per day.

In the fall of 2008, the City of Rock Island enacted an Ordinance prohibiting the burning of leaves or yard waste.  Any person violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine amount of up to forty dollars ($40.00) for the first offense.  The Rock Island Fire and Police Departments have already started strict enforcement of the new ordinance.  If you observe any violations please contact the Police Non-emergency number (732-2677).

Recreational fires are allowed by code.  Recreational fires are outdoor fires burning materials other than leaves and rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit, and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking warmth, or similar purposes.  Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials.  These fires must also be attended at all times with a means of extinguishment readily available.  Burning rubbish or leaves in a recreational fire is considered an ordinance violation and can result in a fine from $40 to $500.

Outdoor fires burning materials other than leaves and rubbish that are contained in an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbeque pit are not subject to the 25 foot clearance requirement.  These fires must also be attended at all times with a means of extinguishment readily available.  If you have any question regarding enforcement of the new ordinance contact the Rock Island Fire Department at 732-2800.

The Rock Island Fire Department reserves the right to extinguish recreational fires.