Fall leaves are beginning to pile up. What to do with them? There are options for residents in Erie, Lafayette, Louisville and Superior, whether its leaf-ing them be, turning them into compost, or finding local disposal sites.<\/p>\n
Residents can consider the \u201cLeave the Leaves\u201d approach<\/a>, keeping some fallen leaves on the ground to provide natural mulch, improve soil health and support pollinators and other wildlife. Woolly bear caterpillars, bumblebees, luna moths and swallowtail butterflies are all examples of wildlife that use the season\u2019s fallen foliage for protection or hibernation, according to Lafayette\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Leaves don\u2019t need to be left exactly where they fall, Lafayette adds. They can be raked into garden beds, around tree bases or into other designated areas. Too many leaves \u201ccan kill grass, but in soil, they can suppress weeds, retain moisture and boost nutrition,\u201d the website says.<\/p>\n However, if too many leaves are left to accumulate on streets and sidewalks, they can block storm sewers and cause flooding, Louisville\u2019s website warns. They can also wash into storm drains and eventually make their way into waterways, causing buildup and adding excess nutrients to local streams and lakes, which can be harmful to fish and wildlife.<\/p>\n The town of Erie advises against bagging leaves<\/a> for landfill disposal. When buried in plastic bags, according to the town, leaves decompose without oxygen and release methane \u2014 a greenhouse gas. Instead, composting is encouraged, allowing leaves to contribute nutrients to soil that benefits gardens and lawns.<\/p>\n There are various leaf disposal options for residents in the area.<\/p>\n Erie<\/p>\n Yard waste is accepted at the Erie Recycling Center at 1000 Briggs St., including: grass clippings, leaves, sawdust, flowers, plants and weeds, and branches (less than 12 inches in diameter).<\/p>\n Louisville<\/p>\n Louisville offers a seasonal leaf drop-off site<\/a> at the Louisville Sports Complex, at 1200 Courtesy Road. Only leaves and grass clippings are accepted, and all bags must be emptied onsite.<\/p>\n The site is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Nov. 23 (dates are approximate, the city says). Residents may be asked to provide identification. Leaves are not accepted at the branch drop-off site near the Louisville Cemetery.<\/p>\n The city also suggests using a mulching mower to return nutrients directly into the lawn.<\/p>\n Superior<\/p>\n Superior\u2019s Yard Waste Site, at 2125 Honey Creek, is open year-round for residents only. Hours are from 2 p.m. to dusk Wednesday, and from 8 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and Sundays.<\/p>\n Accepted materials include grass clippings, leaves and small branches (up to 6 inches in diameter). Identification is required for drop-off.<\/p>\n Lafayette<\/p>\n Lafayette residents can place leaves and small branches in their weekly compost carts. Those enrolled in Republic Services\u2019 Three Cart Program can also participate in the Fall Leaf and Branch Cleanup Event.<\/p>\n Each household may set out up to 20 bags of leaves and five bundles of shrubbery or tree limbs (securely tied with twine or rope) on the following dates:<\/p>\n \u2022 Nov. 1: Residents south of South Boulder Road and east and west of U.S. 287<\/p>\n \u2022 Nov. 8: Residents north of South Boulder Road and east of U.S. 287<\/p>\n \u2022 Nov. 15: Residents west of U.S. 287 and north of South Boulder Road.<\/p>\n Lafayette residents also receive a 40% discount on yard debris drop-off at Western Disposal\u2019s facility, 2051 63rd St. in the Boulder area, according to the city\u2019s website.<\/a><\/p>\n In addition to local drop-off and collection events, households in Erie, Lafayette, Louisville or Superior that subscribe to Republic Services and have a compost bin may place yard waste in it, including leaves, grass clippings, weeds and small branches \u2014 following the guidelines posted on the company\u2019s website at republicservices.com\/residents\/recycling-and-solid-waste\/organic-waste<\/a>.<\/p>\n Boulder County Wildfire Partners also offers a Community Chipping program for groups of five or more households. The initiative is aimed at helping reduce fire risk by managing vegetation and clearing slash (small branches, twigs, brush and small trees). More information is available on the Boulder County Wildfire Partners website.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fall leaves are beginning to pile up. What to do with them? 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