Leaf Program Returns

Following the success of the 2013 pilot program, the City is once again encouraging environmentally-friendly options for disposing of fallen leaves.
 
“We are encouraging residents to either mulch their leaves or, when mulching is not an option, to put their leaves on the curb in compostable paper bags,” said Councillor Jonathan Galgay, Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Works.
 
Mulching is a cost-effective option that is beneficial to the environment and improves the health of the lawn and soil. Leaves can be mulched using a lawn mower and left on the lawn. If there are too many leaves to mulch, another earth-friendly option is to put them in compostable, paper, yard waste bags.
 
“Our staff will collect paper-bagged leaves at the curb on your regular garbage days through the month of November,” said Councillor Galgay. “These bags will go in the collection truck and will be composted to be used next year in landscaping of City property.”
 
There is no limit to the number of bags set out per household when paper yard waste bags are used.
 
Leaves can also be placed in regular plastic garbage bags and placed at the curb as part of regular garbage collection. Leaves in plastic garbage bags will count toward the limit of 10 bags of garbage per week each household, however these leaves remain in the plastic bags and are put in the landfill. Mulching or using paper bags extends the life of the landfill and ultimately reduces operational costs and further protects the environment. 
 
The sites formerly used for leaf drop-off  (Bowring Park and Quidi Vidi Lake parking lots) are closed again this year and will not accept leaf bags.
 
An information brochure on mulching and the curbside collection of leaves, including a coupon for paper yard waste bags redeemable at RONA, is being mailed to all City home dwellers this week. Coupons will also be printed in the Telegram and posted on the City’s website at www.stjohns.ca. Information on the program is also available at www.curbitstjohns.ca/leaves   
 
For media inquiries contact:
Susan Bonnell
Manager, Marketing and Communications
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 576-3906
Email: sbonnell@stjohns.ca