Sustainability
Des Plaines is committed to being a responsible steward of its environment — taking practical action in infrastructure, energy use, and City operations to foster a cleaner, more efficient, and healthier community. Through steady investments in sustainability, the City continues to make progress toward a resilient and responsible future for all residents.
Our Vision & Regional Commitment
Our focus is on solutions that make daily life better for residents — reducing flooding, improving air and water quality, managing energy use efficiently, and maintaining a clean, resilient community. Each initiative we undertake, from modernizing infrastructure and expanding mobility options to supporting clean energy and urban forestry, is designed with measurable goals and long-term results in mind. This means planning responsibly, investing wisely, and creating a City that works better for today’s residents and future generations.
Des Plaines Sustainability Plan Survey
The City of Des Plaines is developing an updated Sustainability Plan to guide actions that improve environmental quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges. This survey is designed to gather input from residents to help identify priorities, concerns, and opportunities for action. Your feedback will directly inform the strategies and recommendations included in the plan. The survey will take approximately four to five minutes to complete and is open until August 1. All responses are anonymous.
Thank you for helping shape a more sustainable future for Des Plaines!
About the Sustainability Plan Update
The City of Des Plaines is currently updating its Sustainability Plan, which was originally adopted in 2011. The updated plan will build upon the foundation established by the original plan while evaluating current environmental, economic, and community priorities to create a roadmap for sustainability initiatives and actions over the coming years.
In 2025, the City conducted a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select a qualified consultant to assist with the plan update. Following a review of seven proposals, the City Council approved an agreement with Blue Strike Environmental to lead the project and facilitate the planning process.
The Sustainability Plan Update is guided by a Sustainability Plan Review Committee appointed by the Mayor and comprised of representatives from the City Council, local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations. The Committee serves in an advisory capacity, providing feedback throughout the planning process and helping ensure the final plan reflects a broad range of community perspectives and local expertise.
Public engagement is a central component of the planning process. The Sustainability Survey was launched on April 22, 2026, and has been extended through August 1, 2026, to encourage broad participation from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Community outreach efforts have included public workshops, stakeholder meetings, online engagement opportunities, and participation at community events such as the Taste of Des Plaines and Food Truck Roundups. Information about the survey has also been shared through City communication channels and community outreach efforts to maximize public awareness and participation.
Input gathered through these engagement activities is helping identify community priorities and shape recommendations for the updated plan. Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey and share their perspectives on issues such as energy, transportation, environmental stewardship, economic development, and community sustainability.
Looking ahead, the consulting team will complete a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory of municipal operations and community-wide emissions. The project team will also evaluate existing City plans and policies, including the 2011 Sustainability Plan, Annual Budget, 2019 Comprehensive Plan, Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan, and Active Transportation Plan, as well as regional and state sustainability frameworks such as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's ON TO 2050 comprehensive plan, the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus' Greenest Region Compact (GRC) Framework: A Foundation for Sustainability.
Combined with feedback received through public engagement efforts, this analysis will help inform the development of the Sustainability Plan's goals, objectives, and implementation strategies. The resulting plan will establish a framework for advancing sustainability initiatives throughout the community while supporting the City's long-term environmental, economic, and quality-of-life objectives.
Additional opportunities for public participation and project updates will be shared as the Sustainability Plan Update progresses.
Resident Resources
Residents and businesses in Des Plaines have access to a wide range of services, rebates, and educational tools that make it easier to live and operate sustainably.
Resident Resources
Trash, Recycling & Special Item Disposal
Comprehensive waste-collection services through Public Works & Engineering, including weekly trash and recycling pickup, seasonal yard-waste collection, and guidance for disposing of electronics, bulky items, appliances, and other specialty materials. Eligible electronics may also be dropped off for recycling each Wednesday at the Public Works garage: Trash and Recycling | Des Plaines, IL
LRS Senior Citizen Discount
LRS has a discount program for senior citizens. Fill out this application and send via email or mail, along with proof of age and eligibility in the form of a valid state-issued driver’s license or identification card or United States passport. Call 844-NEED-LRS with any questions.
Urban Forestry & Native Landscaping
Learn about Des Plaines’ Tree Maintenance and Planting Program and how to request a parkway tree: Forestry | Des Plaines, IL
MWRD Green Neighbor Guide
Learn how to reduce flooding and manage stormwater on your property through best management practices. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Green Neighbor Guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing rain barrels, rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, dry wells, and other sustainable landscaping improvements that help capture and absorb stormwater runoff.
Access MWRD Green Neighbor Guide(PDF, 16MB)
ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder (U.S. EPA)
Illinois EPA EV Rebate Program
ComEd EV Rebates and Charging Programs
Rain Barrel & Native Plant Programs
Cook County and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) periodically offer discounted rain barrels with native plants:
Rain Barrels: Rain Barrels | MWRD
Native Plant Programs: Native Landscaping
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency (IRS & DOE)
DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center
Greenest Region Compact
We are proud to be a signatory of the Greenest Region Compact (GRC), a collaboration of more than 150 municipalities led by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. The GRC provides 49 shared sustainability goals across areas like climate, energy, air, water conservation, mobility, waste reduction, and economic development. Our participation ensures that Des Plaines’ actions align with regional sustainability and climate benchmarks. By collaborating with neighboring municipalities and regional partners, we coordinate local policies, access shared data and best practices, and measure progress toward common goals such as reducing emissions, conserving water, and expanding clean energy use.
Learn more about the Greenest Region Compact
Sustainability Investments and Partnerships in City Operations
Des Plaines is proud to have made steady progress in sustainability through practical investments in City operations, infrastructure, and partnerships. Every initiative, whether improving energy efficiency, reducing flooding, or supporting cleaner transportation, reflects the City’s long-term commitment to operating responsibly and building a more resilient community for the future.
Active Transportation & Mobility
The City of Des Plaines is committed to providing safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options for residents of all ages and abilities. Adopted in April 2026, the Active Transportation Plan establishes a long-term vision for improving pedestrian, bicycle, and mobility connections throughout the community. The plan prioritizes safety, connectivity, access to community destinations, transit integration, and regional trail connections while guiding future investments that reduce transportation barriers and support environmental sustainability.
View the Active Transportation Plan(PDF, 23MB)
Water & Flood Resilience
Effective water management is a cornerstone of sustainability in Des Plaines. Protecting homes and infrastructure from flooding while conserving water resources supports the City’s long-term environmental, economic, and public health goals. Managing water efficiently and protecting the community from flooding remain key priorities for Des Plaines. Guided by the Stormwater Master Plan, the City’s Public Works and Engineering Department maintains a citywide network of sewers, detention basins, and pumping stations to reduce flood risk and improve water quality. Major flood-mitigation projects include:
- Construction of relief sewers and detention basins to increase capacity.
- Separation of combined sewers to reduce backups and improve water quality.
- FEMA-funded property buyouts and Craig Manor Subdivision drainage improvements to protect flood-prone areas.
- Sewer lining projects to extend the life of aging infrastructure and prevent infiltration.
Stormwater Management
Energy & Infrastructure Efficiency
Des Plaines continues to modernize its infrastructure to reduce energy use and improve operational efficiency.
- Water Meter Replacement Program (Completed 2023): Installed automated meters that improve billing accuracy and detect leaks — saving an estimated $2.8 million over 10 years.
- LED Streetlight Conversion (ongoing): Annual investments to replace legacy fixtures with LED technology, reducing energy use, outages, and maintenance costs.
- Facilities Replacement Fund & Long-Range Capital Planning: Ensures predictable reinvestment in public buildings and infrastructure, reducing deferred maintenance.
- Pay-as-You-Go Capital Program: Enables major infrastructure improvements without issuing new debt, reflecting both fiscal and environmental responsibility.
Community Partnerships & Environmental Stewardship
Collaboration is central to Des Plaines’ approach to sustainability. The City partners with regional and local agencies to strengthen environmental programs and provide resources for residents:
- Metropolitan Mayors Caucus & Greenest Region Compact (GRC): Des Plaines aligns local sustainability goals with the GRC’s 49 regional objectives, joining more than 150 participating communities.
- Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) & Cook County: Collaborate on rain barrel programs, flood mitigation projects, and public education initiatives.
- Tree Maintenance & Planting Program: Thousands of parkway trees are maintained and replaced annually in the spring and fall to preserve canopy health, improve air quality, and enhance stormwater absorption.
- Paper Shredding & Document Destruction Events: Annual community events promote recycling awareness and proper waste disposal.
A Continuing Commitment
Through these initiatives, Des Plaines demonstrates its commitment to sustainability not only as an environmental goal but as a foundation for responsible governance and community well-being. By investing wisely, partnering regionally, and planning for the future, the City continues to build a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient Des Plaines for generations to come.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness
Des Plaines participated in the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Program, a regional initiative that helps municipalities prepare for the growing adoption of electric vehicles through planning, policy development, and infrastructure readiness. The City successfully completed the fourth cohort of the EV Readiness Program in June 2025 and was awarded Bronze EV Readiness designation in recognition of its commitment to advancing electric vehicle infrastructure and supporting clean transportation options. As part of the program, the City evaluated local regulations, permitting processes, fleet opportunities, and charging infrastructure needs to better prepare for future EV adoption.
Des Plaines also demonstrated regional leadership by hosting a cohort workshop at City Hall, bringing together municipal staff, transportation professionals, utilities, and regional partners to share best practices and collaborate on EV planning initiatives. Building on this work, the City has adopted zoning regulations that support EV charging stations, expanded opportunities for public charging infrastructure, and continues to incorporate electric vehicles into its municipal fleet. These efforts help reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support a more sustainable transportation network for residents and businesses.