Leaf-Bagging Test Coming to Northeast Richland

A leaf-bagging project being tested in St. Andrews could expand to neighborhoods in Northeast Richland County later this year.

The program is an effort to improve water quality by keeping leaves from clogging storm drains, according to a report in The State. It is also laying the groundwork for a composting program in the future.

The county issued special rollcarts for yard waste to residents in an area off of Broad River Road, including the Pine Valley-Kingswood neighborhood, according to the report.

Instead of raking leaves and other debris to the curb, residents fill the carts and put them by the road for pick up. 

After some resident complaints, the county also allowed residents to use their own containers or plastic bags for debris as well. 

The pilot program will come to some subdivisions in Northeast Richland county later in the year, councilwoman Val Hutchinson told The State, but the county hasn't chosen the communities yet. 

The county hopes to start composting yard waste within the next three years, according to the report. They also want to provide full-size rollcarts for recycling.