Don’t Let Autumn Glory Go Up In Smoke!

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

As the fall foliage season draws to an end, the dreaded task of raking and disposing of leaves is upon us. The Garrett County Environmental Health Office reminds homeowners that Maryland Air Quality Regulations prohibit burning leaves in areas where collection is available. 

“We all have the right to live in a fresh and clean atmosphere,” said Eli Reed, Environmental Health Specialist Trainee. “Smoke from a neighboring leaf fire may be dangerous or unpleasant for many people and need not be tolerated. Please help keep Garrett County’s air clean and safe to breathe.”

Burning sometimes seems to be the easiest solution for leaf disposal, but it is becoming more and more unacceptable due to air quality concerns and adverse health effects from air pollutants. The smoke from burning leaves contains high concentrations of hydrocarbons, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Pollutants resulting from leaf burning can greatly aggravate the condition of persons suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. In a healthy person, these pollutants can cause eye and nose irritations, fever, coughing, and cramps. Additionally, the pollutants in leaf smoke can cause house paint to deteriorate, injure plants and shrubbery, and generally deteriorate our air quality.

Residents in areas where there are too many leaves to gather or where no collection is available should consider using leaves for mulch, erosion control, and compost piles. Using mechanical shredding equipment or lawn mowers to chop up the leaves may also be possible, which returns needed nutrients to the soil, and efficiently eliminates the leaves.

“Composting is a method that is gaining in popularity and can be easily started in your backyard,” said Reed. “To compost, enclose a small area with chicken wire or wooded pallets, pile a six-inch layer of leaves, and cover with a one-inch layer of soil. Repeat as necessary. A sprinkle of lime may be added to speed up the process. Turn and mix the compost pile every few months. In about 12 months the result will be rich organic matter or humus for fertilizer in your garden. The compost will also provide excellent mulch to hinder weed growth and save soil moisture.” For more information on leaf composting contact the Garrett County Extension Services at 301-334-6960.

Hauling leaves to the landfill is preferable to burning. The Garrett County Landfill will accept leaves at the rate of $50 per ton ($2.50 per hundred pounds) with a minimum scale fee of $2. If the leaves are bagged, they must be emptied at the site. The landfill hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Most Garrett County municipalities have some type of leaf collection plan this fall. The collection schedule may vary depending on equipment availability and when most of the foliage has dropped. Contact your town hall for details. 

“Please be advised that if leaf burning is conducted within town limits where leaf collection is available, a notice of violation may be issued which could include a fine,” Reed said.

If collection is unavailable and other means of leaf disposal is ineffective, leaves originating on the property may be burned by householders only as a last resort. The fire may not be within 200 feet of the nearest neighboring residence and may not create a nuisance. Since the Health Department does not condone the burning of leaves due to the negative impact on air quality, burning permits will NOT be issued.

Additionally, DNR regulations require that burning be conducted between 4 p.m. and midnight (E.S.T.) if the burning location is in a wooded area or within 200 feet of a wooded area. A 10-foot-wide fire break must surround the fire, and a responsible person should remain on the scene until it is completely extinguished.