JACKSON, Wyo. — Fall Clean-Up runs through this Saturday, Nov. 2, and the Town of Jackson is encouraging community members to avoid burning leaves and instead find alternative ways to dispose of their yard waste.
“Although burning yard waste is permitted during this time, this fall has been dry and fire danger remains high,” Town said in a statement.
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS asks homeowners and residents to consider these waste removal options:
- Composting: A natural process that breaks down leaves and other organic materials into nutrient-rich soil. Collect leaves and compost them either in a bin at home, by using worms or by taking them to the fairgrounds on Nov. 1.
- Mulching: Use a mulching mower to chop leaves into small pieces that can fertilize the lawn and garden beds.
- Chipping: Use a chipper to turn leaves into mulch for flower beds.
- Mulch gardens: Cover bare soil in vegetable gardens with leaves during the winter to protect plants and turn the leaves into the soil next spring.
According to the Town of Jackson, allowing leaves to stay on lawns creates ecological benefits, including providing wildlife habitat for birds, frogs, lizards and insects. Composting leaves also improves soil health to help plants grow stronger, suppresses weeds, improves the retention of moisture in the soil and insulates perennial plants during the winter.
Those who choose to burn leaves must call Teton County’s dispatch at (307) 733-2331 before striking a match.
