As spring cleaning and yard work pick back up with the warmer weather, City of Midland officials are reminding citizens and contractors that it is illegal to sweep or blow yard waste into streets.
Midland has an above-ground drainage system, meaning its roads are used to convey water to drainage areas during rain events. Grass clippings, leaves, or other debris placed in the curb or roadway can create build up along the drainage system, resulting in localized flooding. Urban storm water runoff can also be contaminated with pesticides, fertilizer, animal droppings, trash, food wastes, automotive by-products and other toxic substances that can pollute water sources.
The City of Midland’s Code of Ordinances states that it is illegal to place any garbage or yard waste in any public street, alley or drainage ditch. Yard waste may be disposed of at the Citizens Collection Station, located at 4100 Smith Road, or the City of Midland Landfill. Lawn and garden service providers must provide for the hauling of all waste generated by their activities, including tree trunks, dirt and grass to the Citizens Collection Station or Landfill. Citizens can also sweep clippings back onto the grass and compost leaves and garden waste to recycle nutrients.
For questions about recycling and composting, please call Keep Midland Beautiful at 432-688-7745.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz