Materials such as unneeded dirt, rock, and sand are often cleared out this time of year.  Waste haulers do not accept these materials in residential trash.  Dirt, rock, bricks and sand are considered “clean fill” by the Illinois EPA, and as such, can be used to help stop erosion along hills and ditches. 

     Call any of the area Township Road Commissioners to see if they have an area of erosion or construction in which they could use your clean fill material.  Township office numbers are in the front of your phone book in the Government listings.  

     Landscape timbers are often made from chemically-treated lumber, or even railroad ties, and are not considered clean fill material.  These are also not accepted in residential trash, unless they are very old and crumbling.  These items should be disposed at a household hazardous waste collection event.