For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding residents that while gas-powered leaf blowers are banned in the County, letting leaves stay where they fall can be a simpler, more environmentally friendly way to manage fall cleanup.
“Taking care of our environment often starts with small choices close to home,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Leaving the leaves where they fall, or turning them into mulch or compost, supports healthy soil and protects the wildlife that depends on it. These simple actions, combined with our County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, make our neighborhoods cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable.”
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Fallen leaves are a valuable resource for soil and wildlife. They naturally fertilize lawns and gardens, retain moisture, insulate roots, and provide winter shelter for many small creatures
Property owners and renters can save time and money by following these tips to manage leaves in their lawns and gardens:
- Compost leaves at home to create free fertilizer for your garden.
- Mow leaves into lawns throughout the fall months to improve the soil.
- Rake leaves under trees and into garden beds for natural mulch and wildlife habitat.
“By mulching and composting leaves on their properties, people in Montgomery County improve their own trees and gardens, contribute to wildlife conservation, and take action against climate change,” said DEP Acting Director Jeff Seltzer. “DEP is providing residents with compost bins at local stores throughout the County for no additional cost.”
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The County asks everyone to help keep leaves out of roads, sidewalks, and away from storm drains on your street. Leaves can be collected for weekly residential curbside recycling in paper lawn bags or reusable containers. The County’s Department of Transportation provides a Vacuum Leaf Collection Program in specific areas of the County. If you receive this service, or another leaf vacuum service, rake leaves to the curb and keep piles out of the street.
Visit the DEP website to find a compost bin pickup location. Subscribe to My Green Montgomery for news and updates for living a green life in Montgomery County. Follow DEP on Facebook, Instagram and X.