Do Not Rake or Blow Leaves Into the Street or Gutter 

Baltimore County, Md. (September 18, 2009) — Baltimore County residents are reminded that raking or blowing leaves into the gutter or street is unsafe, potentially damaging to the Chesapeake Bay, and illegal. Leaves in the gutter can cause fires and endanger children who might try to play in the leaves. Leaves can also clog drains and, if the leaves do get to the bay, cause algae blooms. Algae blooms absorb oxygen and light that fish and aquatic plants need to survive.

Compost

Instead of raking or blowing the leaves into the gutter, the County suggests that residents compost the leaves. Composting leaves is an easy way to produce an environmentally friendly soil additive for use in gardens.

Mulch

Another option for Baltimore County residents is to simply mulch the fallen leaves with a lawn mower and leave them on the ground, providing a great natural fertilizer for lawns as the leaves decompose.          

Recycling

Baltimore County residents who choose to bag their yard materials should put them out where they normally place their trash, in accordance with their trash and recycling collection schedule.

More Information

For more information on how to handle yard materials at home, residents may visit or call 410-887-2000. Residents can now go online and view, save, and/or print their trash and recycling collection schedule and program guide.