Leaves can cause drainage problems

As leaves begin to fall in autumn, many Delawareans roll up their sleeves and get to work clearing their yards, sidewalks, and driveways. Unfortunately, by improperly disposing of yard waste by raking or blowing leaves or grass clippings into the street, some residents are creating pollution, flooding, and safety problems that can impact waterways and create hazardous driving conditions for area residents.

The discharge of anything into the storm sewer that is not stormwater is regulated under the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Yard waste, including leaves, grass, and trimmed tree branches, can pass through storm drains and add excessive nutrients to Delaware waterways, which is detrimental to water quality. Excess nutrients can result in lower levels of dissolved oxygen and higher levels of bacteria in the water, both of which can harm fish and wildlife.

Yard waste can also clog the same storm drains and cause water to back up onto the roadway, which can pose hazardous conditions for drivers. In warmer weather, vehicles can hydroplane on wet roads - they can also slide uncontrollably on wet, leaf-strewn roads.

In colder weather, the clogging of drains and pipes leads to water backing up and freezing on the road, creating dangerous driving conditions that often cause skidding and sliding on patches of ice.

DelDOT offers the following options for disposing of yard waste:

Composting or mulching the material for use on the lawn or garden

Taking the material to a facility that accepts yard waste

Knowing a municipality’s collection schedule

Contracting a landscaping service or waste hauler to collect and dispose of yard waste material.