With autumn just around the corner, the Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging Michigan families to explore alternatives to burning leaves this year. Leaf burning creates air pollution, contributes to breathing problems, is a serious fire hazard, and is illegal in many Michigan cities and communities. Burning leaves releases fine particles, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into the air that are particularly harmful to children and people with allergies, asthma, or heart disease.

Although leaves and yard waste cannot be sent to a landfill, mulching and composting are simple, environmentally sound ways to manage most yard waste. The easiest option is to simply mow over leaves with a lawnmower to chop them into fine mulch, and when left on a lawn, the mulch provides a number of needed nutrients for the grass that will keep it looking healthy.

Many communities also offer municipal composting programs, and residents can contact their waste hauler or local city, township, or county Department of Public Works office to find out whether they collect leaves and yard waste for composting.

In rural locations where responsible burning of yard waste is allowed, permits are required to burn leaves and brush. Homeowners are reminded to obtain a permit before burning and that they are responsible for damage caused by a fire they start.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair, and select "Open Burning Information" under Spotlight, or contact the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised September 23, 2008 by Pat Watson