Fall brings us incredible vibrant colored foliage each year, but when the leaves eventually fall, they must be cleared to protect the health of our local waterways and prevent flooding. If it is in the street it can get to your local creek. 

During and after storm events, wind and rain can carry leaves and other pollutants that have gathered on streets and sidewalks into a nearby storm drain that flows directly to our local creeks, untreated. Leaves, debris, and other common household materials that enter the storm drain can potentially be harmful to wildlife and impair the water quality. The leaves can also mat across the storm drain and block water flow, causing water to back up on the street resulting in unsafe roadway flooding. That’s why where you leave your leaves matters.  

We all need to do our part to keep leaves and debris off the streets, to keep our creeks, streams, and storm drains flowing clear. Please note, it is the property owner's responsibility to remove branches, leaves, and other debris from the street or right of way fronting their property per city code 13.32.010. 

Remember, once you have collected your leaves, keep the leaves out of your trash and local landfills by home composting, mulching, or placing them in your green organics bin where they will be diverted away from the landfill to nearby composting facilities.

What can you do with your leaves? 

What to Know