By Townhall Chicago News Staff
The Village of Skokie posted fall cleanup reminders this week outlining leaf collection schedules and yard waste guidelines for residents as seasonal conditions change.
Skokie’s Public Works Department has begun its seasonal leaf collection program, which allows residents to rake leaves to the curb instead of bagging them, according to a village notice posted Oct. 12. Crews will collect leaves throughout the village every five to seven days, depending on weather and volume. The last day to rake leaves to the curb is Friday, Dec. 11.
The village outlined several guidelines for the program. Residents should rake leaves away from parked cars and should not park on leaf piles. Twigs, branches and other garden debris should not be added to leaf piles because the materials can damage collection equipment. Grass clippings are not accepted through the leaf collection or yard waste programs.
Residents should also avoid raking leaves onto or into sewer drains, according to the notice.
Weekly yard waste collection will continue through Wednesday, Nov. 11, when the final pickup of the season takes place.
The village is also encouraging residents to consider leaving fallen leaves in place rather than collecting them. The village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan recommends that residents “Leaf Them Alone,” noting that fallen leaves improve soil quality and add nutrients to lawns and landscaping. Residents can rake a few inches of leaves into garden beds or mulch them directly into lawns with a mulching mower, according to the notice.
Beyond fall cleanup, Skokie has a full schedule of community events this month. Downtown Skokie Trick-or-Treat is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. The free event is presented by the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Skokie.
A new addition this year is a sensory-friendly event at SHORE, 8356 Lincoln Ave., with trunk-or-treat activities organized by the Skokie Chamber, SHORE and Twenty-One Senses, according to the village notice.
The Skokie Park District’s Scream Scene Haunted House continues on select nights through Nov. 1 at Skokie Water Playground, 4701 Oakton St. General admission is $14, and the attraction is not recommended for children under 10.
Official trick-or-treat hours in Skokie are 3 to 8 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31.
The next regularly scheduled Skokie Village Board meeting is Monday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Skokie Village Hall.
