Seattle Public Utilities sends this important message as the leaves begin to fall, just before the rains of winter come:

We want to highlight that during November, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) collects up to 10 extra bags of yard waste at no charge to the customer.

Dear Community Partner,

Trees make our city beautiful but fall leaves can be a safety hazard and cause street flooding. We would appreciate your help encouraging people to manage their leaves to keep them off the street and out of the storm drain. If your community includes people who have a yard or landscaped areas to maintain, please pass along this information to them via email and social media.

We want to highlight that during November, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) collects up to 10 extra bags of yard waste at no charge to the customer.

Here are 3 ways to manage fallen leaves:

1.     Rake leaves and put them into your yard waste cart. If you have more than will fit into the cart, place extras in a compostable lawn and leaf bag or a reusable container with a lid. Put them out next to your yard waste container on collection day – no plastic bags. During the month of November, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) collects up to 10 extra bags of yard waste at no charge to the customer.

2.     Place raked leaves on bare soil as mulch in your landscape and garden. This conserves water, controls weeds and fertilizes the soil. Contact the Garden Hotline to learn more (206) 633-0224 or visit www.gardenhotline.org

3.     If you use a leaf blower, please collect the leaves to use as mulch in garden beds or bag them for collection. If you hire a landscaper to help with fall cleanup, make sure they are collecting the leaves and keeping them out of the street.

You can also help reduce flooding by keeping nearby storm drains clear of leaves and debris. Here are some tips on how to do it safely:

·       Stand on the curb, not in the street. Please do not clear drains on major streets or arterials.

·       If possible, clear the drain before it starts raining.

·       Never use your hands to remove debris.

·       Use a long-handled dustpan, shovel or a trash can lid to pick up debris. Gloves are recommended.

·       Avoid items that have the potential to be hazardous or cause injury.

For serious flooding, please call 206-387-1800. For non-urgent plugged storm drains, please submit a service request at www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/sewer-and-drainage/flooding-response

For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/utilities/StormDrains or contact susan.harper@seattle.gov