BALTIMORE COUNTY REMINDS RESIDENTS NOT TO RAKE OR BLOW LEAVES INTO THE STREET

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION:
September 17, 2010 Charles Reighart 410-887-3188

Baltimore County residents are reminded that raking or blowing leaves into the gutter or street is unsafe,
potentially damaging to the Chesapeake Bay, and illegal. Leaves in the gutter can lead to fires and endanger
children who might try to play in the leaves. Leaves can also clog drains and, if the leaves do get to the bay,
cause algae blooms. Algae blooms absorb oxygen and light that fish and aquatic plants need to survive.
Instead of raking or blowing the leaves into the gutter, the County suggests that residents compost the leaves.
Composting leaves is an easy way to produce an environmentally friendly soil additive for use in gardens.
Another option for Baltimore County residents is to simply mulch the fallen leaves with a lawn mower and
leave them on the ground, providing a great natural fertilizer for lawns as the leaves decompose. Mulched
leaves can also be collected and used around plants, garden beds, under shrubs and hedges, and under trees.
The mulch will keep the soil moist and protect the roots of the plants.
Baltimore County residents who choose to bag their yard materials should put them out where they normally
place their trash, in accordance with their trash and recycling collection schedule.
For more information on how to handle yard materials at home, residents may visit
www.baltimorecountymd.gov/recycling or call 410-887-2000.