Yard Waste Programs: Existing Regulations, Collection, Composting, Compost Characteristics and Land Application

摘要

In order to extend the life of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and help minimize future costs associated with waste disposal in Illinois, the state legislature banned the landfill disposal of landscape wastes starting July 1, 1990. Landscape waste (yard waste) includes grass, shrubbery cuttings, leaves, tree limbs and other materials. Yard waste constitutes about 20% of the MSW stream by weight. The report discusses experiences from some mandatory and pilot yard waste collection and composting programs, with the intent of better informing Illinois municipalities.