Protect Our Storm Drains from Fallen Leaves

From the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Last year catch basin cleaning accounted for more than half of the City of Atlanta’s wastewater work orders. Leaves entering into the City’s storm drains can often lead to street flooding. As the seasons change and more leaves fall from trees, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) reminds homeowners and landscape maintenance professionals not to blow leaves and other yard debris into our sewers.

“Over a period of time, fallen leaves accumulate in drainage systems and clog sewer pipes which can lead to stormwater overflow. As a result, street level flooding occurs,” says Commissioner Jo Ann Macrina. “It’s easy to use a leaf blower to maintain your yard this fall, but properly disposing of leaves ensures the storm drain is safe, efficient and clean.”

Yard trimmings, including leaves, grass clippings, tree prunings and brush, constitute approximately 36 percent of Georgia’s waste system.

To prevent a buildup of fallen leaves and other yard debris, DWM recommends placing all yard waste into brown bags instead of plastic. Yard trimmings placed in brown bags should not include dirt. Furthermore, burning leaves contributes to air pollution.

Composting, or using decayed organic material as plant fertilizer, is another effective method to safely dispose of lawn debris. Residents may also mulch yard waste by spreading compost and yard trimmings around plants to enrich the soil with moisture and nutrients.

Pet owners are also reminded to bag your furry friend’s waste so it will not enter into storm drains and pollute rivers and streams.

The City of Atlanta Solid Waste 3n1 provides residents with an easy and convenient disposal service. For more information about this service, visit www.atlantaga.gov.

To report clogged storm drains in your neighborhood, please call ATL 311.

Watch our video for more tips on yard debris disposal, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at @ATLWatershed. Please also visit our website at www.atlantawatershed.org.