 Leaf Disposal OptionsResidents of O’Fallon have several options when it comes to disposing of their leaves this fall:
· Weekly collection of unlimited amounts of yard waste is included in your standard Waste Management service package. Leaves, grass clippings, etc. should be placed in brown biodegradable bags or plastic trash cans that are clearly labeled “Yard Waste Only” and placed at the curb for pickup. “Yard Waste Only” stickers are available at City Hall or by calling Waste Management
· Local landscape companies provide curb side leaf vacuum services
· Mulch your leaves by using a mulching mower or spread out the leaves and mow over with a regular mower
· Composting of leaves
Composting is easy and you can use compost as a soil amendment for your lawn, garden or houseplants. To make a compost can, simply drill 1/2” holes in the bottom and sides of an old trash can and use a bungee cord to fasten the lid to the handles. To mix the compost, just roll the bin around a few times.
Compost Recipe:
1st layer: 3—4“ of chopped brush, twigs, or other bulky material
2nd layer: 6—8” of leaves and green material (see below)
3rd layer: 1” of yard or garden soil
4th layer: 2—3” of manure or a handful of commercial fertilizer to provide the
nitrogen needed by the microorganisms. Add water if the manure is dry
5th layer: Repeat steps 1-4
Mix the compost with a shovel or roll the bin. Add water if necessary. The composting material should be as wet as a damp sponge. Mix or roll again every 2-3 weeks. Finished compost should be ready in about six months.
Remember to use roughly equal amounts of browns and greens as you add new material. In the fall, store extra leaves in bags and add them to the compost pile as you need them.
Greens (nitrogen rich):
Grass, plant trimmings, vegetable/fruit peels and scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags and egg shells
Browns (carbon rich):
Leaves, bark chips and straw
Because of health related and environmental issues, the burning of leaves and other yard waste within the City of O’Fallon is not allowed.
Studies by the Environmental Health Center and American Thoracic Society, the medical branch of the American Lung Association, have found that the pollution produced by leaf burning results in an increase in acute respiratory illness. This is especially true for traditionally vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of leaf burning. They have a higher breathing rate than adults and breathe in more air per pound of body weight.
Burning leaves creates heavy concentrations of toxic air pollutants. The smoke hangs low to the ground and causes serious health problems for many people in our area. Over 42% of Illinois residents suffer from asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disease; or have allergies or heart ailments that are affected by leaf burning.
The Metro East area has some of the highest air pollution rates in the state. Damage to the lungs every year can lead to irreparable lung disease later in life. Keep your lungs healthy and improve the quality of life in the Metro East — Learn not to Burn.
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