Spring is here, and for many Cook County residents that means spring cleaning is in full swing. With Earth Month as inspiration, the Forest Preserves of Cook County is offering four free opportunities to make spring cleaning more sustainable thanks to the fourth annual Trash Bash series. The four Trash Bash events for 2026 are set to take place:

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 11 at Miller Meadow-South, 1st Ave, south of Roosevelt Rd, in Maywood

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25 at Dan Ryan Woods-Central, S Western Ave, south of W 83rd St, Chicago South Side

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16 at LaBagh Woods, N Cicero Ave, north of W Foster Ave, Chicago North Side

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30 at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W 111th St, Lemont

Trash Bash brings together agencies and nonprofit partners to both help households with their spring cleaning and also offer seasonal services to Cook County residents. Full details are online at fpdcc.com/trashbash.

Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County