City of Portsmouth NH DPW Asks “Rake It or Leaf It?”

The leaves are falling and DPW is collecting yard waste during curbside pickups and at the Recycling Center. The DPW Stormwater Division suggests there are alternatives to raking and bagging. 

As part of its “Think Blue” public awareness campaign, the Division provides “Rake It or Leaf It?” best practices when it comes to autumn yard work (and has produced a YouTube video to make the point humorously: portsnh.co/rakeorleaf).

Leaves and grass clippings can be a valuable source of nutrients for overwintering lawns and gardens or be a source of water pollution. Mulched grass clippings provide a source of slow-release nutrients reducing the amount of fertilizer needed next spring to half or none. A thin layer of mulched leaves will break down enough to add much-needed organic matter. They also provide winter cover for dragonflies, pollinators and fireflies. A heavier layer of mulch at the base of trees and shrubs will prevent the growth of weeds that compete with the plant for air, light and nutrients.

Blue, the City’s Water Division mascot says, “Never dispose of leaves or clippings in or near storm drains, drainage channels (where water drains rain or melting snow), wetlands or water bodies!” 

Decaying leaves and grass clog the stormwater drainage system and yard waste dumped on the banks of rivers, streams and ponds can negatively impact aquatic creatures and organisms. As organic matter decomposes in streambeds it uses up oxygen that other organisms such as dragonfly larvae, crabs, and fish need to live. Yard waste smothers natural vegetation, blocking sunlight and choking the natural plant life that provide food and cover to animals such as turtles, ducks, chipmunks and deer. Yard waste near water also releases nutrients that cause the growth of algae and other nuisance weeds that form foul-smelling, green mats on the water surface and degrade water quality.

Yard waste is collected by the DPW through November 30 on the same day as regular solid waste. For disposal, residents should put yard waste on the curb in a paper bag or reusable, clearly marked “Yard Waste” container to be picked up by DPW staff. Brush must be cut into lengths not exceeding 4 feet, contain no pieces greater than a 5-inch diameter, and be tied in bundles not exceeding one foot in diameter or 50 pounds in weight. Yard waste must not contain anything other than leaves, grass clippings or plant material – no pots, debris, dog waste or other contaminants. Yard waste bags, when placed curbside, should also not weigh more than 50 pounds each. Residents of Portsmouth can also drop off yard waste to be composted at the City’s Recycling Center located at 680 Peverly Hill Road. There is a $15 fee for 2 cubic yards of yard waste and a $25 fee for 4 cubic yards.