Illegal dumping of non-hazardous household waste and improper dumping of yard waste in streets, storm drains, wetlands, lakes, and other water bodies pollutes surface waters. Non-hazardous household waste includes items such as tires, furniture, common household appliances and other bulk items. Yard waste includes any organic debris such as grass clippings, leaves, and tree branches.
Although yard waste is composed of natural materials that will eventually decompose, the debris releases nutrients and uses up oxygen that is necessary for a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Non-hazardous household materials should be recycled or disposed of at a proper facility and yard waste is best minimized and composted. This fact sheet provides guidance on implementing non-hazardous residential waste and yard waste clean-up and collection programs in order to increase public awareness about the environmental impacts of these wastes to encourage proper disposal.
Waste collection and clean-up programs can positively change the actions of residents by decreasing the dumping of household materials and yard waste into local surface waters. Yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves, when carried through storm drains or dumped directly into a waterbody, contribute excess amounts of phosphorus to the water, resulting in an increase in the likelihood and severity of noxious algae blooms. Reductions in these pollutants entering surface waters will contribute to improved water clarity, coloration, odor, and fish and wildlife habitat, leading to a more inviting lake for community recreation and enjoyment.
Encouraging citizens to responsibly dispose of non-hazardous residential waste and yard waste can be accomplished through:
Owners and operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) can combine education with clean-up and waste collection programs for optimal results. For additional program development information regarding illicit discharges, see the Potential Discharge Identification and Risk Reduction fact sheet and for information on preventing disposal of waste in storm drains see the Storm Drain Stenciling fact sheet.
Offering designated waste drop off locations or curbside yard and bulk non-hazardous household waste collection provides residents with an environmentally friendly alternative to illegal and illicit dumping of waste. There are a variety of options to look into before choosing the best option for your community. These programs can be set-up and implemented by a municipality which will result in a direct cost up front for additional staffing. Coordination of these programs can be contracted out to a private collection service. Additionally, these programs can be offered free of charge, through pay-as-you-throw fees, or by implementing a seasonal or year-round flat fee added to utility billings.
Awareness campaigns inform the public of the harm caused to surface waters by illegal dumping of residential waste and yard waste. Through awareness campaigns, an emphasis can be made on changing behaviors, stressing the importance of valuing natural resources. Suggested educational methods include:
Brochures - Develop informative brochures and guidance for specific audiences such as homeowners, landowners, businesses, and garden clubs regarding the yard waste program. The brochure could include supplemental yard waste handling tips. Brochures can be made available at public establishments such as libraries and other municipal buildings, gardening and landscaping stores, and hardware stores. In addition, any of this information could be distributed directly via door hangers, utility bills, or mass-mailed. The information on the brochure could also be made available on a municipality or community website. Suggested topics in education materials may include: Image Courtesy of Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.
Signage - Position “No Dumping” signage with information about natural resource protection near common dumping sites, wetlands, and storm sewer inlets.
Composting education - Provide workshops and educational materials on backyard composting of leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste. Workshops can provide the technical assistance needed to get homeowners started with a backyard compost bin.
Maintenance considerations will vary depending upon the type of program implemented. If a municipality decides to implement a yard waste collection program, maintenance will need to be considered for additional trucks, residential yard waste bins, and other pick-up equipment. Signs posted in public areas will need to be monitored for graffiti, destruction, and natural wear and fading.
Costs will vary depending upon the type of program that is implemented. The implementation of a waste collection program will take time and effort on the part of municipal staff and may demand the need for additional staff. In order to implement a municipally run program, collection trucks and equipment as well as a composting facility will need to be acquired. This could result in a significant cost up front. However if a fee is being charged to residents for the service, the cost of maintaining the service could be covered. Costs for educational materials and community wide events could be offset by local business sponsorships while encouraging the participation of additional community members.