Why Does It Matter?
It’s fall in Indiana and the leaves are coming down. While it might be tempting to simply rake those leaves into a pile and set them aflame, doing so might be against the law where you live! Also, burning leaves releases particulate into the air that can cause significant health problems to those susceptible. So, before you light a match, consider your health, your neighbors’ health and the health of the environment.
What Should You Do?
The easiest ways to deal with leaves is to leave them alone. Run them over with the lawnmower to break them into tiny pieces and let them naturally decompose. This will not only save you some back-breaking work, it also provides your lawn with nutrient-rich material.
If you live within the town limits of Brownsburg, Danville or Plainfield, you can take advantage of the free curbside leaf pickup services offered by your town. Contact your town for information and details.
The District operates two Yard Waste Recycling Centers (Plainfield and Brownsburg) that will remain open until November 30th to accept yard waste from residents including bagged and loose leaves. Visit the District’s website for more information and pricing guidelines. Green-Cycle McCarty in Danville also accepts leaves and yard waste for recycling. Contact them at 745-2000.
The District operates two Yard Waste Recycling Centers (Plainfield and Brownsburg) that will remain open until November 30th to accept yard waste from residents including bagged and loose leaves. Visit the District’s website for more information and pricing guidelines. Green-Cycle McCarty in Danville also accepts leaves and yard waste for recycling. Contact them at 745-2000.
If you live outside of town limits burning leaves is allowed, but certain guidelines must be followed:
· Leaves may only be burned in a container; not on the ground, in the street, alley or ditch
· Flammables should not be used to aid in ignition
· Burning should always be done during daylight hours
· A means to quickly extinguish the fire must be nearby
· The fire must never be left unattended
The burning of prairie plantings and agricultural burning (to clear trees and/or fence rows) is also permitted. The same precautions as for the burning of leaves should be followed. In addition, the local fire department should be notified prior to the burning.
Recreational fires such as campfires and bonfires are allowed in Hendricks County. If you live within town limits, contact your town to find out the specific requirements where you live.
Remember that the burning of trash is not allowed in Hendricks County regardless of where you live. Contact the District if you have questions about disposal options.
Dig Deeper…
November 15th is America Recycles Day! Resolve to celebrate by doing more to recycle at home, work and school. Visit americarecyclesday.org to take a recycling pledge. By doing so, you’ll be entered to win a bench made from recycled plastic!
Next Edition…
Next time, we’ll dig deeper into the issue of trash burning. It’s more than just an environmental risk, it also poses a real health danger too. Join us next time!
