Illinois is about to make environmental history. Beginning January 1, 2025, the state will ban the sale and use of gas-powered lawn equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. This sweeping change affects homeowners, landscapers, retailers, and municipal workers across every part of the state—from dense cities like Chicago to quieter communities like Ingleside and Rockford.
Driven by concerns about air quality, noise pollution, climate change, and public health, this legislation is among the most aggressive of its kind in the Midwest. With both opportunities and challenges ahead, residents must understand what this law means and how to prepare. This guide breaks down the critical facts, highlights city-specific efforts, and offers practical advice for adapting to a cleaner, quieter future.
What the Ban Covers
The ban includes all gasoline-powered lawn care tools commonly used in residential and commercial landscaping:
Lawn mowers (push and ride-on)
Leaf blowers
String trimmers and edgers
Other handheld equipment powered by gasoline two-stroke or four-stroke engines
The law applies statewide, regardless of local city regulations. This includes both densely populated areas like Aurora and Springfield as well as smaller towns like Ingleside. The equipment cannot be sold, rented, or operated after January 1, 2025, unless it meets electric or battery-powered standards.
Why Illinois Is Making the Shift
Air Pollution
Gas-powered lawn equipment is surprisingly polluting. A single gas leaf blower running for one hour emits as much smog-forming pollution as a 1,100-mile car drive. These machines release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particulate matter—all harmful to humans and the environment.
According to environmental studies, small engines like those in lawn equipment account for nearly 10% of air pollution in urban areas. Illinois, particularly regions like Cook County, continues to struggle with meeting federal air quality standards.
Noise Concerns
Beyond emissions, gas-powered machines are noisy—often exceeding 85 decibels, a level known to cause hearing damage over time. Many residents, particularly in urban areas like Chicago or Evanston, have long complained about early morning or evening landscaping noise disrupting their peace.
Electric equipment, by comparison, is significantly quieter. This shift will not only improve day-to-day living conditions but will also reduce hearing risks for landscapers and city workers.
Health and Safety
The exhaust from gas-powered tools contains cancer-causing substances such as benzene and formaldehyde. Regular exposure can increase respiratory illnesses, trigger asthma attacks, and harm cardiovascular health. Children, seniors, and people with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable.
This law is a public health initiative as much as it is an environmental one. Cities with dense populations, like Rockford and Cicero, will benefit from reduced localized air pollution.
Climate Goals
Illinois has committed to a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Transitioning away from fossil-fuel lawn equipment aligns with these long-term sustainability goals. Electrifying yard tools is a practical and achievable step in the state’s broader climate action plan.
How Cities Are Responding
While the ban is statewide, several cities have already passed or enforced local bans ahead of 2025. These cities serve as case studies for what other municipalities can expect.
Evanston
Evanston banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 2023, enforcing the rule through citizen complaints and fines. The city also launched educational campaigns to help residents and landscapers shift to electric models.
Oak Park
Oak Park will implement its own gas equipment ban in June 2025, ahead of the state deadline. The city requires landscapers to register with the municipality and maintain compliance through annual inspections.
Wilmette and Winnetka
These North Shore suburbs already restrict gas blower usage to certain months and hours. Local ordinances will now align with the statewide ban, strengthening enforcement and streamlining transitions.
Ingleside
While smaller in size, Ingleside has a growing residential community and active homeowners’ associations. The ban is expected to influence many residents who still rely on traditional gas-powered mowers, especially during the long mowing season. City forums and neighborhood meetings are expected to play a role in spreading awareness.
What This Means for Homeowners
Equipment Use and Ownership
If you currently own gas-powered lawn equipment, you may still use it after January 1, 2025, if local ordinances allow. However, you will not be able to purchase new units, and resale options may be limited. Some cities may even phase out usage entirely in later years.
Electric and battery-powered models are now widely available and growing in popularity. Most major retailers in Illinois already carry a wide range of alternatives.
Hiring Lawn Services
Landscaping companies must shift to electric fleets. This could lead to higher service costs initially due to new equipment investments. Homeowners should ask their landscapers what type of equipment they use and whether it complies with the 2025 requirements.
Expect to see changes in service availability, hours of operation, and noise levels.
Storage and Disposal
Gas equipment that becomes obsolete must be disposed of responsibly. Many cities will introduce recycling or hazardous waste collection programs to handle the influx of retired gas tools. Avoid illegal dumping or unauthorized sales.
Electric Equipment: Viable Alternatives
Electric lawn equipment has made great strides in performance, affordability, and durability. Here are some electric alternatives to consider:
Lawn mowers: Battery-powered models now run for up to 90 minutes per charge and are suitable for yards of all sizes.
Leaf blowers: Many electric blowers can deliver airflow close to gas models, especially for residential use.
String trimmers: Lightweight, cordless options are available with quick charge times and long battery life.
Most electric tools are quieter, lighter, and easier to maintain. Homeowners may need to purchase multiple batteries or invest in fast chargers, particularly for large lawns.
Financial Incentives and Rebates
Illinois cities and utility companies are exploring rebate programs to ease the transition. These may include:
Discounts on electric tool purchases
Trade-in programs for old gas equipment
Tax credits for contractors converting fleets
Programs vary by city, but early adopters in places like Aurora, Naperville, and Peoria have already seen pilot incentives introduced through local sustainability grants.
Commercial and Professional Landscaping Impact
Professional landscapers face the biggest logistical shift. Gas-powered fleets will be replaced by electric gear that may require more batteries, charging stations, and charging time.
While initial costs will rise, electric gear has lower maintenance costs, no fuel expenses, and fewer breakdowns. Some landscaping businesses in Chicago have begun converting and are already promoting their services as “green” or “eco-friendly.”
In suburbs like Schaumburg and Joliet, professional associations are hosting training workshops and demos to prepare members.
Common Questions from Residents
Can I keep my gas mower after 2025?
Yes, but you won’t be able to buy new ones, and your city may restrict use in the future.
Will I be fined for using gas tools?
If your municipality enforces usage bans (like Oak Park or Evanston), yes. Statewide, the focus is on halting sales.
Are electric tools as powerful?
Modern battery tools are very capable, especially for typical residential use. Commercial-grade electric options are also growing rapidly.
How do I dispose of my old gas tools?
Contact your city’s public works or recycling department for drop-off events or hazardous waste programs.
Will there be help paying for electric replacements?
Many local governments and utilities are offering rebates. Check with your city or energy provider.
The Road Ahead
This is not just a law—it’s a movement toward more sustainable and livable communities. After the 2025 ban, Illinois may look at other small engine categories like chainsaws, pressure washers, and snow blowers.
The success of this transition depends on education, enforcement, and collaboration between government, businesses, and residents. The law sets the stage for a cleaner, quieter Illinois—and provides a model other states may follow.
Preparing for the Transition
Here’s how residents can get ahead:
Audit your lawn tools: Identify what equipment needs replacing.
Research electric alternatives: Look for models with good reviews and battery life.
Talk to your landscaper: Ensure they’re aware of the law and transitioning.
Budget accordingly: Save for new purchases or take advantage of early rebates.
Educate your neighbors: Join or start community discussions to raise awareness.
Conclusion
The 2025 ban on gas-powered lawn equipment in Illinois represents a pivotal shift in how residents maintain their yards and communities. While the transition may take some adjustment, the benefits—cleaner air, less noise, better health, and long-term cost savings—are well worth it.
Cities like Evanston and Oak Park show that early adoption is not only feasible but beneficial. Whether you live in Chicago, Ingleside, or anywhere in between, now is the time to begin preparing. Embrace the change and take part in building a greener, more sustainable Illinois.
Leave a Reply