Bag, Compost or Mulch that Grass!
Proper Disposal of Grass Clippings Helps Keep Lakes and Streams Clean and Safe
The storm drain near the curb on the street may seem like the perfect place to sweep or blow grass clippings, but it is actually one of the worst places to dispose of your yard waste. The city's storm drainage system is designed to carry rain away from our streets and homes. If the storm drainage system becomes blocked with debris, it creates the potential for flooding.
In addition, fertilizers and pet wastes from the lawn enter the storm drainage system and ultimately our lakes and streams. This water is not treated - the pollutants in the water go directly into our lakes. Yard waste and chemicals are harmful to wildlife and aquatic life.
Because of these health and safety concerns, raking or blowing yard clippings or leaves into the storm drain is a violation of Edmond's municipal code.
Fortunately for Edmond residents, there are many ways to properly dispose of grass clippings and leaves. Grass clippings can be mulched back onto your lawn or composted for use in gardens and landscaping. The protective layer of mulch protects your soil from erosion and conserves moisture.
Composting is the biological decomposition of organic matter into humus that looks and feels like fertile garden soil. Humus provides vital nutrients that help plants grow and look better.
Yard waste can be bagged and placed in your cart for your weekly trash collection. If you have too many bags of clippings for your cart, you request an additional cart for a small monthly fee or purchase city-coded bags at local grocery or hardware stores. The price of the city-coded bags, $1.50 each, covers the cost of the bags and the collection and disposal of the contents.
For a small disposal fee, bags of clippings and yard waste can be taken to the customer convenience center at the Edmond Transfer Station. The privately-owned transfer station is located 1/8 mile east of I-35 on Covell.
For information about transfer station hours or fees, call the 216-9401.
For more information about keeping a beautiful yard and a healthy environment, visit www.edmondok.com/utility/solidwaste/programs/dontbagit
Issued: July 18, 2008
