Yard Waste & Water Pollution

Protect water quality and save money and resources by adopting best practices for lawn care.

• Leave grass clippings on your lawn to reduce the need for fertilizer, increase water retention and improve soil.
• Sweep grass clippings and leaves off the pavement to prevent them from entering storm drains and waterways.
• Avoid blowing grass clippings and leaves into adjacent bodies of water.
• Use a phosphorus-free fertilizer.
• Apply fertilizer at the correct rate according to instructions-it’s the law!
• Sweep up excess fertilizer that lands on the pavement.

When yard waste is swept, blown, or washed into the street and ultimately the nearest storm sewer, it ends up in local waterways, contributing excess nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients act as fertilizer, fueling the growth of aquatic weeds and increasing the likelihood and severity of toxic algal blooms, which are harmful to humans and animals. Additionally, the decomposition of excess weeds and algae in waterways can deplete the oxygen that fish and native plants need.

Yard waste and other debris can also clog storm drains, causing drainage and flooding issues. To prevent damage from localized flooding to streets and nearby properties, keep yard waste out of the curb and gutter line and clear off storm drains.

Rochester Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 4, requires property owners to keep all yard waste, including leaves and grass clippings, out of the street.

Residents can take their leaves and yard waste free of charge to the Olmsted County compost site at 305 Silver Creek Road NE, across from the recycling center. Mulching leaves in yards or setting up home compost bins are other practices residents may consider that not only reduce waste but also improve soil quality and promote environmental sustainability.