News & Events

Three years ago, the Elkhart County Commissioners started an Elkhart County Leaf Collection Competition. With $50,000 to be divided among the top teams based on pounds of leaves collected, the competition was fierce. Over the 12-week competition period, 218 tons of leaves were collected. Thirteen teams shared the prize money.

If you are interested in having your leaves taken away FOR FREE, contact this long-time contestant:

James Wyly | wylycoyote86@gmail.com |  (574)304-1363
Please leave a message if you call and there is no answer!

Curbside pickup throughout the competition dates October 4th – December 20th.  The leaves can be bagged or placed at roadside.

Each homeowner must contact James Wyly personally he will provide a property information form for you to fill out.  Feel free to contact him with any questions.

This long-time contestant, who lives in northern Elkhart County, was recommended to the Lake Association by enFocus, a company that partners with the County Commissioners on the Leaf Competition.

Other alternatives to burning:

• Drop of your own leaves at the Elkhart County Landfill for no cost. The landfill is at 59530 County Road 7 South of Elkhart.
• If you have a compost pile or bin, leaves can be added.
• Placing leaves in your garden in the fall will bring you enriched garden soil come spring.

If you are suffering because of leaf burning neighbor:

• Talk to your neighbor
• If necessary, call the Elkhart County Police and let them know you are having trouble breathing because of a fire in the neighborhood.

If you MUST burn... 

• Follow the Elkhart County burning ordinance: Fires must be attended during burning until completely extinguished.
• A fire must be extinguished at any time if it creates a:
  • Pollution problem​
  • Threat to public health
  • Nuisance
  • Fire hazard
• Burning may not be conducted during high winds, temperature inversions, air stagnation, or when a pollution alert or air quality action day has been declared.​
• Private residential open burning must be during daylight hours. All fires must be extinguished before sunset. (Recreational or ceremonial fires are allowed after sunset but cannot be used for disposal purposes.)

Note: The Lake Association is not taking a political stand for or against burning in the county. However, we do think it would be healthier for all if we could find a viable alternative to burning our leaves.