With autumn approaching, the City of Morrison is reminding its community of the Municipal Code addressing the disposal and/or burning of yard waste. The City reminds its community to be conscientious of neighbors and the general public, when considering lawful open burning. Due to allergies, asthma, and other health issues, some individuals must alter their everyday activities to avoid exposure to outside air conditions, caused by open burning, especially during this time of year. Weekly yard waste collection is a great alternative to open burning.
For more information about these and other City Ordinances, please contact City Hall at 815-772-7657.
OPEN BURNING
Open burning of landscape waste is permitted with the following restrictions:
1) between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and sunset on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week, and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and sunset on Saturdays–unless either of those days falls on Halloween and/or days designated by the City Council for community-wide Trick or Treating.
2) on the premises where such waste is generated.
3) open burning does not occur within six feet of any street or alley, on any street, sidewalk, alley, or public ditch.
4) open burning is constantly attended by a competent and responsible person, until such burning is extinguished.
5) when such burning does not create a visibility hazard on public streets, alleys, sidewalks, etc.
Only open burning of landscape waste shall be permitted. Landscape waste means dry leaves and untreated wood and branches, smaller than two 2 inches in diameter. Landscape waste does not include noxious weeds or grass clippings.
Open burning of any garbage, waste, refuse, rubbish, or substance of any kind–other than landscape waster–is prohibited.
POLLUTION OF WATER & STREETS
According to City Ordinance, no person shall throw, place, deposit or cause to be deposited any yard waste (including but not limited to grass clippings, leaves, other yard waste, and substances, garbage, etc.) upon any street, alley, ditch, or public grounds, or upon any property of another within the limits of the City.
PENALTY
Any person convicted of any violation of these Ordinances may be fined not less than $75 nor more than $750 for each day a violation occurs.
WEEKLY YARD WASTE COLLECTION
The City of Morrison provides for the collection of yard waste each Wednesday from April through November. During the months of October and November, yard waste collection will be twice weekly; on Wednesdays and Fridays. Waste must be placed curbside in approved containers or tied in bundles not exceeding 48 inches in length and 35 pounds in weight. Yard waste shall not be mixed with household refuse/garbage.