Burn Ban

In an effort to improve the air quality within Moline neighborhoods, the Moline City Council approved a ban on burning yard waste within the City. The ban was approved at the regular City Council meeting on September 8, 2009.

As a guideline for residents, the City is providing the following information related to the burn ban, recreational fires and disposal of brush and leaves:

Burn Ban – What is Banned
The burn ban includes leaves, tree branches, and grass clippings. To report an illegal burn within the City, please contact Moline’s non-emergency number: 309-797-0401. Those violating the ordinance will be fined $25 for a first offense ($15 if paid within 48 hours), and $50 for a second or additional offense.  The ordinance is enforced by the Moline Fire Department. 

Exceptions: Recreational Fires
Recreational fires do not require a permit, but recreational fires can burn dry wood only, excluding building materials.  Recreational  fires cannot contain leaves or yard waste.  Branches and logs cannot exceed 12 inches in diameter, and fires cannot be more than 5 feet in diameter or 3 feet in height.  Recreational fires are allowed only between the hours of noon and midnight.  Those in brick or metal containers can be as close as 15 feet to a structure. All other recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from adjoining properties and combustibles.

Disposal of Brush/Twigs
The City of Moline will continue to pick up small piles of brush and twigs that are bundled, at no charge to the resident. Brush trimmings or tree limbs are to be tied in bundles less than 4 feet in length and 1 foot in diameter and will be picked up weekly.

Large Piles of brush and limbs that are not bundled will be picked up after prepayment of the $85 collection fee is made at either City Hall Annex, 1616 – 6th Avenue or the Municipal Services Building, 3635 – 4th Avenue. Residents should stack the pile neatly – not under any low wires or next to trees or poles. There is no limit to the size of the pile, but limbs that are 4 inches in diameter is the maximum. For more information, contact 309-524-2400.

Leaf Disposal
As an alternative to burning, the City of Moline will provide residents with its annual leaf collection service. The FREE leaf bag collection is the recommended means of disposal and will be offered from October 15 – December 15. The normal $2.00 sticker fee will be waived during this time. Leaves must be placed in large paper yard waste bags and placed at the curb on normal garbage collection day.

Leaf Vacuuming
The City’s annual leaf vacuuming service will run October 15 through December 1, weather permitting. During this time, residents may rake their leaves to the boulevard for vacuuming by city crews for no additional fee. Leaf vacuuming is intended to aid in leaf disposal during the peak season (October 15 – December 1) and should not be considered the primary means of disposal.

Due to the increased volume of leaves that is anticipated, and to insure city collection of leaves, residents are strongly encouraged to bag their leaves and take advantage of the free leaf bag collection period, rather than wait for conventional vacuum collection.

For more information  on leaf disposal, click here.