Don’t LEAF it in the Street!

- Advertisement -

We’ve reached that time of year when the trees are bursting with color…and covering the ground.

We know it can be difficult to control where the leaves go, so we have two key asks:

1. Please don’t purposely blow or rake leaves into the street
2. Check for and clear leaves in front of your home or business regularly to keep sidewalks safe and storm drains clear.

Please do NOT blow or rake leaves into the street. As tempting as it may be, here’s why:

1. Leaves can clog storm drains and contribute to flooding. Leaves blown or raked into the street can end up in storm drains, which are important City infrastructure. When drains become clogged, flooding can result. Unlike wastewater from your home, stormwater isn’t treated before flowing into local waterways like Hedges Creek and the Tualatin River. As leaves decompose, they release nutrients into the water that can disrupt the balance of aquatic habitats.
2. Wet leaves can create safety hazards. Thick layers of leaves can hide ice, standing water, and debris, making streets slippery and creating hazards for pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Street sweeping isn’t meant to remove piles of leaves from your property. It helps manage leaves that naturally fall on public streets, not large piles blown or raked there from homes and businesses.
4. It’s against City code. The Tualatin Municipal Code prohibits knowingly depositing yard debris on someone else’s property or in the public right-of-way. Violations may be subject to a fine of up to $500.

Here’s what you can DO:

1. Leave the leaves and help the bees! Leaves improve soil health and provide habitat and food for pollinators during the winter months. Just be sure to keep your sidewalk clear and passable.
2. Rake leaves into flower or garden beds. Several inches of leaf mulch can protect plants from winter cold.
3. Make leaf compost. Simply rake leaves into a 3×3 ft. pile and water thoroughly. Let the pile sit for 6-12 months. Or, fill a large plastic bag, seal, cut some slits for airflow, and open and water occasionally. This is an excellent (and free!) soil amendment that will be garden-ready by next spring.
4. Fill your yard debris bin (try alternating layers of leaves and food scraps). Or, use an extra-large paper bag specifically designed for yard debris. Republic Services will collect it for a small fee.
5. Free Yard Debris Day at Grimm’s Fuel on Saturday, November 21st from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. In lieu of a disposal fee, bring a non-perishable donation for the Tualatin Food Pantry.

Thanks for doing your part to ‘leaf’ Tualatin’s streets and stormwater systems clean. For more info, give us a ring at 503-691-3091.