Prior to 1992, when the ban on the disposal of yard waste in landfills went into effect, disposal of grass, leaves and tree limbs was managed no differently than the rest of a household’s trash. Things have changed dramatically since then.
According to the 2002 District inventory of municipal solid waste management activities, more than 100 cities have yard waste programs, either curbside collection or drop-off sites. St. Louis County has an ordinance requiring haulers operating in unincorporated St. Louis County to offer their customers curbside collection of yard waste.
In addition, there are 16 mulch and compost facilities within the District. Of these facilities, six are privately owned and operated and ten are operated by municipalities.
The best way to manage yard waste is to keep it on the site where it is generated. Mulching mowers and backyard compost bins can allow homeowners to turn these into resources. |
