00 2023 Spring Summer PG Final Reduced r1 - Flipbook - Page 48
Keep Waterways Clean!
Why is Litter a Problem?
When trash (plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, leaves, branches, etc.) is discarded onto or left on the ground, it
washes into storm drains and directly into ponds and waterways without being treated. Trash negatively impacts
wildlife and migratory birds, poses hazards for fisherman and boaters, and is an eyesore along streets, parks, ponds,
and waterways in our community, and an expense for property owners downstream.
The City’s goal is to sweep the residential streets eight times a year however; each resident could greatly improve
water quality by properly disposing debris and leaves.
What Can You Do to Keep Debris and Leaves Out of Waterways?
• Trash Removal. Pickup and properly dispose of trash on your property.
• Trash Cans. Do not overfill trash cans as litter can blow into the street on windy days.
• Keep Inlets Clean. It is illegal to dump debris, leaves, etc. into the storm sewer system! If you have a storm sewer inlet
on your property please remove any trash around the opening.
[Did you know blowing, throwing, moving or raking leaves, grass clippings or other debris
into the street is a Code Violation that can lead to fines up to $500 per day?]
• Compost. Collect and reuse your grass clippings or leaves in your landscaping.
• Mulch. Mow and leave on the yard or bag to use in landscaping or garden beds.
• Bag. Bagged lawn materials can go to a composting facility or be used elsewhere in your landscape.
What Else You Can Do:
• Please ...Do Not Litter! Surface waters are sources of drinking water, so we need to do our part to clean up
pollution and to educate others not to litter.
• Follow the 3R’s - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle wherever possible.
• Volunteer at a local stream or community cleanup event.
• Report any illegal dumping or improper erosion control on construction sites by contacting the Leawood Codes
Administration at 913.663.9166 or CodesAdminGen@leawood.org. If it is after hours please contact the Leawood
Police Department at 913.642.5555.
Working Together We Can Make An Impact!
48 Green Information • webtrac.leawood.org • 913.663.9154