FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Maylynne Wilbert, 901-636-4349, maylynne.wilbert@memphistn.gov

City of Memphis Storm Water Department Encourages You to Bag or Mulch Your Leaves

Memphis (November 1, 2018) – The City strongly encourages all citizens to bag your leaves and place them on the curb side for pickup or mulch them for personal use. Yard wastes, such as leaves should not be raked or blown into the street or storm drain. Leaves that are disposed in the storm drain congregate into the piping system forming blockages, which reduce water flow and contribute to localized flooding. The decomposing leaves are also a source of pollution and harmful to aquatic life. For these reasons, please bag your leaves and put them at the curb for pick-up.

Composting is a beneficial alternative to bagging. Leaves are a good source of carbon to complement the nitrogen in grass clippings and other organic waste in your composting pile. In addition, compost retains moisture and repels weeds when used as a top dressing or mulch.

Bagging your leaves for collection by the City or using them for compost is a win-win situation. You minimize the potential for flooding in your neighborhood by converting an unwanted product into a useful one and protect aquatic life.

PLEASE! BE PROUD OF YOUR CITY. HELP KEEP OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL.

For more information, please visit our website at MemphisStormWater.com or contact the City’s Storm Water Department at 901-636-4349.