Fall Leaf Management
When leaves aren’t managed on private property, they can clog storm drains, cause flooding, create road hazards, and harm our water quality. By taking care of our leaves, we’re helping keep Salt Lake City and our natural environment safe and healthy.
Here’s what you need to know about managing leaves in Salt Lake City.
Street sweepers
Don’t pile leaves in the street—it’s against City Ordinance 14.20.010. Our street sweepers can’t pick up leaf piles, so they have to go around them. This creates problems for you, your neighbors, and our waterways.
Here’s what to expect during leaf season in Salt Lake City:
If a car is parked on the street, sweepers cannot return later to finish that block. Help us by avoiding parking on the street during sweeping.
We aim to sweep each street once a month, unless snow prevents it. Sweepers make two passes, one right after the other.
Stormwater
Stormwater is rain or melted snow that runs off roofs, streets, and yards. Unlike wastewater, which gets cleaned at a treatment plant, stormwater goes straight into our rivers and streams without being treated. Along the way, it can carry oil, pesticides, pet waste, trash, and other pollutants that harm water quality and wildlife.
You can help! Adopt a Storm Drain in your neighborhood and protect our waterways. By spending just 15 minutes twice a month clearing leaves, trash, and other debris from your storm drain, you’ll help keep our community clean and our rivers and lakes healthy.
Sustainable leaf management
Leaves can be a great resource for your yard! Mulch them in place to return nutrients to the soil or to make more room in your brown can. You don’t need to rake them all up at once—spread the work out over the season. You can also leave some in your garden beds to provide winter habitat for butterflies, bees, and other helpful insects.
Learn more by visiting the Sustainability website and checking out their yard care blog.
