County offers several options for managing your fall yard debris

(Port Orchard, WA) – Gone are the days of summer and our long streak of dry weather, and suddenly the days of fall are upon us. The leaves are changing to wonderful hues of gold and amber, worthy of a crisp fall afternoon photo shoot.

But what about when the leaves fall and cover your yard, driveway, or roof, and clog storm drains? What do you plan to do with the remnants of your fall cleanup?

Kitsap County’s Solid Waste Division recommends composting them! Help protect air quality by not burning, and prevent flooding by properly managing leaves and other yard debris. Composting the material, whether onsite or at a compost facility, is better for our environment because compost generates less harmful greenhouse gases and provides a rich soil amendment.

Here in Kitsap County, there are many options for managing your fall cleanup of yard debris. These include onsite chipping services for fallen trees and branches, and several locations available for you to drop off your unwanted yard debris. Check out the What Do I Do With It? website for a location near you by clicking here.

You can also get started with backyard composting – meaning you manage your own yard debris on your property and generate compost to use in your garden next year. Kitsap County has several web pages available to help you get started, or for a copy of the booklet, “Home Composting Made Easy”, call Kitsap 1 at 360-337-5777.

Please remember outdoor burning of yard debris is illegal in several parts of the County. To see if your property is in the burn ban area, go to www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/gis/maps/BurnBan/index.html. If you live within the burn ban area, you may be eligible for curbside yard debris service that also accepts food waste. Call your garbage/recycling hauler to schedule pick up.

Related links:

What Do I Do With It?  http://www.kitsapgov.com/sw/recycle.asp

Online compost resources: http://www.kitsapgov.com/sw/compost.htm

Food and Yard Waste Flyer: http://www.kitsapgov.com/sw/publications.htm

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