City Asks Residents To Bag Leaves, Not Rake Them Into Street

WOBURN, MA — The city asked residents to bag or compost fallen leaves, rather than raking them into the street or dumping them into storm drains, Wednesday.

Blocked storm drains can cause flooding and leaves can contaminate waterways, the city warned. The excess of decaying organic water can harm both humans and animals.

"Left on land, leaves decompose, feeding your plants and enriching your soil," the city said. "But when large amounts of leaves are washed off our lawns, down our driveways, into storm drains, and into our water bodies — they release phosphorus and nitrogen into our water, contributing to water pollution."

Elevated phosphorous and nitrogen levels can result in blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria blooms, which are a public health hazard. They can also aid the growh of invasive plants, while oxygen depletion can kill fish.

Nov. 2 to 6, 16 to 20 and Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 are curbside yard waste pick-up weeks in town. You can also mix leaves into a compost pile or mulch your leaves for flower beds.

More information is available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.