Did you know that blowing or raking leaves into the streets actually constitutes as littering? It may seem silly with them being a natural organic substance, but the reason behind it is sound: fallen leaves and yard debris clog storm drains, and with the ongoing wet weather we’re having, keeping them clear is especially important to reduce flooding!
If you weren’t able to sign up in time for the free limb & leaf pick-ups through Public Works that began last week, that’s okay! There are still other options for disposal.
First and foremost, did you know that autumn leaves are an important insulator for a number of beneficial creatures like lizards, toads, turtles, rollypollies and other skittering critters?
These helpers overwinter in under the ground, in hollow logs, or snuggled up in autumn leaves, so one great option would be to pile them up in an unused portion of your yard to allow our outdoor friends to tuck themselves away nice and snug for the winter.
Secondly, autumn leaves are considered “brown matter,” which is an important aspect of a healthy compost system!
Did you know you don’t need a fancy contraption for compost? You can start your very own compost using a cardboard box, an old tote or bin with holes drilled in, a couple of free pallets, or even just a regular old hole in the ground?
Compost relies on a balance of brown matter (dried or dead vegetation/cardboard/paper/wood chips etc.) and green matter (not-yet decomposed or “wet” organic matter like kitchen scraps, used coffee grounds, wilted plants) to stay happy. Using autumn leaves is a great and free way to get your compost started in time for the winter!
Finally, if you’re not ecstatic about the idea of having leaves around all winter long, or if you simply don’t have the space, you can use your green waste bins for disposal of your leaves!
If your green waste bin is full, or you just need somewhere to take them this instant, you can take donate your yard waste to Full Circle Compost for them to use in their commercial composting business. Before you head out though, check to make sure they’re accepting yard scraps today by calling (775) 267-5305 or visiting fullcirclecompost.com
Please be reminded: pet waste is not accepted as green waste, so please keep poo out of the leaves whether you’re donating them or packing them into your Green Waste Bins!
