Grass Clippings & Yard Waste

The storm catch basins and intakes typically located along your street's curb and gutter are there for one important purpose: to collect and transport excess stormwater away from roadways and lawns and into larger, natural bodies of water such as streams, lakes, and wetlands.  The accumulation of debris such as grass clippings, leaves, sticks, and even trash can severely hinder the flow of water through the storm sewer pipe system and increase, or even cause, localized flooding. 

In addition to blocking or plugging the storm sewer, residential and commercial yard waste usually contains higher levels of chemicals and fertilizers. 
These contaminants then travel with the stormwater and end up into our streams, lakes, and wetlands where they can harm fish and other wildlife. 

Even untreated yard waste can damage the environment.  Just like pet and animal waste, as yard waste decomposes in a body of water, it depletes the oxygen and releases carbon and nitrogen. 
The excess nutrients contribute to algae blooms and the lack of oxygen can result in fish kills.

While it is impossible to prevent all lawn debris or chemicals from entering the storm sewer,
you can take the following steps to minimize it:  

• Never blow or push grass clippings, leaves, or other yard waste into the curb and gutter, onto the street, or into a storm drain. {Waseca City Code 91.37 (C) (2)}
• Never force any debris, yard waste, or other material into the storm sewer system. 
  (If you see trash or other debris surrounding and/or plugging a storm sewer catch basin or intake, either remove and properly dispose of it, or inform the City by calling the
  Stormwater Hotline at 507-835-9730.)  
• As with salt and de-icers, the best practice is to not over-apply chemicals and fertilizers.