Why Yard Waste Can Cause Storm Water Problems

During storms, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can run off your lawn into the storm sewer, which empties directly into local streams, where pollutants can harm or kill aquatic life.

Leaves, grass clippings, and tree trimmings that are swept or blown into open ditches or storm sewer drains clog storm water grates and increase the risk of flooding the streets.  Plus, rain water can leach nutrients and other chemicals from yard waste into our local streams.  To avoid these problems, yard waste should never be placed in open ditches, street gutters or other areas that convey concentrated storm water runoff.

Landscaping Techniques to Stop Storm Water Pollution
Use the following suggestions to prevent storm water pollution while landscaping.

• • Install a rain garden. Rain gardens look like any other flower garden, but they are built in a shallow depression that is designed to collect rain water and slowly filter it into the ground over a period of a day or two. Rain gardens are designed to be completely dry after a maximum of two days, so standing water (and mosquitoes) are not a problem. To learn more, check out the Clermont Rain Garden Central web site
  • Buy and install rain barrels. These help reduce runoff and collect rain water for use during dry periods. Click here to find local rain barrel vendors.
  • Purchase only the necessary amount of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Choose the most effective, but least toxic products.  Buy nontoxic, biodegradable, and recyclable products when possible.
  • ALWAYS follow product label directions. Use only the amount directed. More is not always better.
  • Immediately clean up spills. Do not wash spilled materials into storm drains.
  • Prevent erosion by planting fast growing, native annual and perennial plants which will help prevent erosion and look beautiful.
  • Store materials under tarps to protect them from wind and rain and prevent runoff.
  • Schedule landscaping projects for dry weather.

Lawn Care Techniques to Stop Storm Water Pollution
Use the following techniques to dispose of yard wastes, prevent pond pollution, and conduct soil testing. Also, check out our environmentally-friendly lawn care brochure.

• • Use a mulching lawnmower.
  • Don’t over water your lawn.  Excess water can result in nutrients, fertilizers and pesticides washing into the storm drain.
  • Buy a rain barrel. Collect the rain water and use it during dry periods.
  • Don’t use fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides near storm sewer drains, ditches, and streams.
  • Never use excessive amounts of fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Follow application directions.
  • Don’t fertilize if rain is likely.
  • Store pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in a covered area to prevent runoff.
  • Try to use compost or non-toxic fertilizers.
  • Use pond treatments such as copper sulfate or other algal controls sparingly and avoid use altogether during rainy periods.
  • Have your soils tested to avoid over applying fertilizers. The Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Service conducts soil testing in Clermont County. They can be reached at (513) 732-7070.

Disposing of Yard Waste
For Clermont County residents looking to dispose of yard waste, several options are available. Some cities and villages within the county, including Milford, Batavia and Williamsburg, allow residents to place yard waste along the sides of the street for later pick-up by the city/village. Some townships, including Miami and Union Townships, offer vouchers for free yard waste disposal.  If you are not a resident of these areas, Clermont County residents can bring their yard waste to one of two locations:

For Clermont County residents looking to dispose of yard waste, including leaves, grass clippings, brush, and tree branches, several options are available. Some cities and villages within the county, including , Batavia, and Williamsburg, allow residents to place yard waste along the sides of the street for later pick-up by the city/village. If you are not a resident of these areas, Clermont County residents can bring their yard waste to one of two locations:

• • Evans Landscaping, 4218 Roundbottom Road (Newtown); (513) 271-1119
  • Bzak Landscaping, 931 Round Bottom Road (Milford); (513) 831-0907

Note that there are disposal fees depending upon the size of the load.  Check the above web sites or call ahead for specific fees.

Composting your yard waste is another option. Check the Clermont County Office of Environmental Quality’s web site to learn more about home composting.