Yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, and branches, are extremely high in nitrogen and phosphorus. When put back on the yard itself or composted, it serves as a natural fertilizer. However, when this waste ends up in our waterways, it causes excess algae growth and depletes the water’s oxygen content, which destroys aquatic life.
Each of us can do small things to help clean up our water. It starts with realizing that our sewers and storm systems are separate – what goes into the storm drains flows directly into the environment, untreated.
What you CAN do:
Sweep – Sweep grass clippings, leaves, and fertilizers back into your lawn to keep them out of storm drains. Use dry cleanup methods (sweeping versus spraying with a hose).
Use a Mulching Mower – Leaving grass clippings and mulched leaves provides your lawn with valuable nutrients.
Bag Clippings – Each household is allowed four cans/bags of grass clippings per garbage pickup. During months of October through November, residents are encouraged to participate in curbside leaf pickup.
Compost – Dispose of lawn waste in compost piles, creating rich, natural fertilizer for plants and gardens, productively reusing yard waste. For basic composting instructions, visit compostguide.com.
Do Not Dump – Remember storm drains lead directly to our waterways. Do not dump grass clippings or any other yard waste down the storm drains or onto the streets.
