06/08/2026
Small, independent home and property clean-out services are on the rise in the area. Be sure how your waste is being managed, and where it is going after the clean-out. Be sure the waste and junk is not being illegally dumped and/or burned someplace else in Ogle County, or elsewhere.
Press Release June 8th 2026
Lately there have been several local waste/junk hauling and clean-out services out and about in Ogle County and the overall region. A quick on-line search of local social media sites will have snazzy AI-generated advertisements and great deals for people looking to have properties cleaned out, junk and landscape waste removed and hauled away for reasonable prices, and done in a timely fashion.
The work on the front end appears to be legitimate and helps folks with a needed service. Home and property clean-outs are a needed and valuable service for people who are moving in or out, evictions, a deceased relative, home remodels, storm clean-up, and just general decluttering to make enjoyment of property more possible.
When choosing a service such as this, be advised to always inquire where the waste and other materials will be going, and how will it be managed. If the deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
Too often services such as this will be quick to remove waste and junk, only to illegally open dump and open burn this material in some other location here in Ogle County. Often times, materials are moved to a different property and the waste and other material is stored indefinitely, abandoned, or illegally burned.
Items such as appliances, tires, furniture, mattresses, electronics and batteries, toys, pools, textiles, auto parts, hot tubs, and construction and demolition debris are routinely observed in open dump sites which are not permitted to store, treat, or dispose of waste or scrap metal.
The illegal open dumping of this waste creates a public health nuisance, draws in insects and rodents, can affect property values, and can create safety hazards if being done in a residential area and areas with children present.
The illegal open burning of this waste creates air pollution for our residents, contaminates the ground and possibly nearby water wells, and creates unnecessary risks for fire spread and having the fire department to respond. These items are not natural and release toxins and hazardous fumes as they are consumed by fire, and leave toxic ash behind after the fire.
Waste and garbage is required, by law to be disposed of at a permitted landfill or transfer station, or be hauled away by a waste hauling company that provides either permanent or temporary service to that property. Be sure to request copies of receipts from the waste/junk service for proper waste disposal in a landfill or transfer station.
Appliances, such as washers, dryers, hot water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dishwashers should be recycled properly and refrigerant removed in a professional and responsible manner. Verify with the waste/junk service what the plan is for these items.
Tires should be taken in for proper disposal/recycling and there are fees associated for this service. Loads of more than 20 tires are required by law to be transported by a licensed tire transporter for proper disposal/recycling. Tires should never be stored outside and allow water to accumulate in the tires. Be sure to request copies of receipts from waste/junk haulers for proper tire disposal/recycling fees.
Only landscape waste (brush, leaves, branches, twigs, shrubs, trees) generated on that property may be openly burned provided other safety and air pollution requirements are met. Landscape waste may be taken off-site for land application, mulching, or for disposal at a permitted compost site. Landscape waste may not be transported from one property to another and openly burned. Verify with the waste/junk removal service what the plan is for any landscape waste removal project.
Electronics (televisions, computers, monitors, printers, wires/cords and such) may not be either disposed of with regular trash or openly burned by law. Call 815-732-4020 for electronics and battery recycling options in Ogle County. Batteries should never be placed into the trash or recycling, and should never be openly burned.
Property and home clean-out services provide an essential service to Ogle County residents. Ogle County is also a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Be sure any waste/junk removal services you hire are responsibly managing waste materials and not simply moving the problem someplace else and creating pollution, a safety hazard, and a toxic environment in some other area of Ogle County.
For questions on proper waste disposal, recycling, scrap metal, and composting, or to report the illegal dumping and/or burning of waste, call the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020 or email [email protected].
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