City of Englewood 2007 Rules and
Guidelines for Disposal of Leaves

To Englewood Residents:

Each year in October we think about what we are going to do with all of those leaves that fall from the  thousands of trees that help characterize Englewood.

In recent years we’ve become more aware of the    environmental impact of how we dispose of fallen leaves.  Regulations mandated by Federal and State law encourage alternative methods of disposing of fallen leaves.  Mulch mowing, composting and bagging leaves in bio-degradable bags are all preferable alternatives to throwing leaf piles in the street. We realize that some residents do not find it practical to dispose of their leaves in an environmentally friendly way. Because of this, we still permit leaves to be piled in the street for pick up.  However, you are restricted to putting leaves in the street only within two days prior to the dates scheduled for DPW to clear your street of leaf debris.  The scheduled dates are listed in this guide along with the rules and restrictions under which loose leaves may be piled in the street. 

Read this guide and pay close attention to the rules for leaf disposal.  Violation of those rules is punishable by penalties under City Ordinances which include fines and imprisonment.

More importantly, save time, money and the world by exploring the environmentally friendly methods of recycling leaves.

Clyde E. Sweatt
Acting Director of DPW

Why Not Put Leaves in the Street?

Residents often ask why we discourage the placement of leaves in the street.  Here are just a few of the reasons:

• Leaves clog storm drains and cause street flooding.
• Leaves are very slippery when wet and can cause traffic accidents and injuries.
• Cars parked on piles of dry leaves can cause fires if their hot exhaust systems come in contact with the leaves.
• Small children often play in leaf piles and may be injured if not noticed by vehicle operators.
• Piles of leaves can reduce the width of traffic lanes causing potential traffic hazard.
• Piles of leaves in the street get blown around and make the City look untidy.

The bottom line is that there are safer, more environmentally friendly ways to dispose of leaves.  Composting, mulch-mowing and bagging are some preferred alternatives.

 

Precycle

Precycling is the art of making waste less wasteful. It is the step BEFORE recycling-the one in which we make a conscious choice to purchase or use products that will have less harmful effect on the environment. You can reduce your household garbage by 20% just by learning to precycle. Select the products you buy carefully. Consider the environment impact of each item you purchase. Can it be repaired, reused, or recycled? Become an “environmental shopper.”

Look for products with the least amount of packaging. If the packaging isn’t necessary for sanitary protection, or is only used to be eye-catching, buy the product with least packaging. It will probably cost less, too!

Buy items with recyclable packaging. Paper bags, aluminum, cardboard boxes, tin cans, glass bottles, and some plastics are recyclable. Choose them when you shop.

 

Composting

Along with fuel efficiency, water conservation, and reduction in meat consumption, home composting is one of the most environmentally beneficial activities of modern society.

Yard and food wastes make up approximately 30% of the waste stream in the US. Not only does composting successfully divert a significant portion of your family's waste stream from the landfill and water treatment facilities, it is a natural method of recycling organic materials into valuable humus.

Finished compost is nutritious enough to use as a soil amendment, buffering the pH and helping to retain water in the soil. It can cool the soil's surface, and help mitigate erosion.

Why buy topsoil when you create your own endless supply?

Home composting also serves as an invaluable educational tool, teaching youngsters about conservation, the cycle of life, and inter-connectedness of the natural world.

If it gets your child thinking about science or biology, or voluntarily participating in gardening and yard work, isn't it well worth the effort?